Death in custody after police chase, stand-off

A man may have been in a drug-induced psychosis when an outback stand-off with officers ended in tragedy, police say.

The 43-year-old man died from self-inflicted injuries after allegedly stealing two cars, which sparked a police pursuit near the remote Northern Territory town of Acacia Hills on Wednesday.

Officers stopped the chase and began negotiating with the man when they realised the threat of self-harm, police said.

''They didn't rush in on him, they were patient," NT Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Intelligence Peter Malley told reporters on Thursday.

''The members ran straight in, immediately went into first-aid mode," Mr Malley said.

Paramedics were called but the man was declared deceased at the scene.

"We believe that is was some sort of drug-induced psychosis," Mr Malley said.

A death in custody investigation is currently underway within the major crimes unit.

Mr Malley said officers were faced with an incredibly confronting and traumatic event and were being provided counselling and support.

''It's one of those things, as a police officer, that you are confronted with,'' he said.

"It's really traumatic but these guys are seasoned, and they'll be okay.

"It is a sad loss of life because, for our part, it doesn't have to happen."

The man had stolen two vehicles from people known to him in the area, sparking the pursuit, police said.