Northern Territory Police hold concerns for welfare in relation to a flare sighting in the Tiwi Islands area.

Around 11pm last night, the Joint Emergency Communications Centre received reports of two flare activations in an area just south of the Tiwi Islands.

The flares had been observed by military personnel off the southern coast of Melville Island and Bathurst Island around 7pm.

The Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section have deployed multiple police rescue vessels to the search area, along with a police Airwing and a CareFlight Helicopter. Nearby military vessels have also been deployed to the area to assist with the search.

No vessels or parties in distress have been located.

Police are urging anyone with information, particularly if you know of an overdue vessel in the area, to immediately make contact on 131 444.