The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 14-year-old male who escaped from custody in Katherine yesterday afternoon.

Around 3:50pm, a 14-year-old male deemed fit for custody following an aggravated robbery and vehicle crash on Sunday morning, was being escorted on foot by police to a caged vehicle to be conveyed from hospital to the Katherine Watch House.

He broke free from escorting members and ran from the hospital grounds, towards the Katherine CBD, while remaining handcuffed to his front.

The youth attended a family residence in Kalano Community and police were contacted. Police attended around 8pm and he was returned to custody without incident.

Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said “Police are grateful for the assistance of the community as Katherine General Duties members and members of the Northern Investigations Section worked together to apprehend the youth”.