A Northern Territory Police Officer has been assaulted during an arrest of a youth in Alice Springs yesterday.

Just after 1pm on Wednesday police arrested a 16-year-old male who had allegedly assaulted a 16-year-old female on South Terrace. As police were taking the male into custody he is alleged to have kneed the police officer in the head.

The injury caused swelling and bruising and the officers required medical assistance.

The 16-year-old has been charged with one count each of Assault a Member of the Police Force, Damage to property and Assault a Female – Offender a male.

The youth is scheduled to appear before the Alice Springs Local Youth Court on September 24.