The Northern Territory Police Force are seeking public assistance to locate 20-year-old Murphy Ward who escaped from G4S in Alice Springs earlier today.

Around 5pm, police were made aware that Murphy had slipped out of his restraints before jumping over a nearby fence at the Watch House on Bath Street, Alice Springs.

The public are urged not to approach him and to contact police immediately if sighted.

Anyone with information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact police on 131 444 quoting reference number P26063861, or to report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.