Northern Territory Police have arrested a youth after an aggravated robbery in Alice Springs over the weekend.

Around 2:15am Sunday, it is alleged the 16-year-old approached a service station on the Stuart Highway in Alice Springs and threatened an employee with a firearm.

Officers from Operation Grimmel, Strike Force Viper and Crime deployed to the area but the male could not be located.

Detectives from the Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Branch arrested the 16-year-old yesterday, and seized an imitation firearm that police allege was used in the offending.

He was charged with Aggravated assault and Possessing a prohibited weapon, bailed to appear in court on 18 July 2024.

Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan said “ Imitation firearms are prohibited weapons for a reason. Threatening members of the public with what looks like a deadly weapon causes undue harm and can have potentially dire consequences.

“Police urge anyone who knows someone who illegally possess a firearm, replica or not, to make contact with police on 131 444.

“Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.”