Northern Territory Police have arrested a youth who escaped custody in Alice Springs this afternoon.

Just before 5pm a 14 year old male was in the custody of Territory Families at the Alice Springs Airport when he fled the area and ran into surrounding bushland.

Multiple police units including drone operations, K9, motorbikes and vehicle patrols were deployed to the area to search for the youth.

The youth was located up a hill near Old Timers camp where police negotiators worked to bring him down safely. He was arrested and taken into police custody.