NT Police are searching for a 23-year-old man who escaped custody on Tuesday afternoon while handcuffed and being escorted between the Alice Springs Local Court and the police watchhouse.

Police said Keenan Mitchell ran from police and jumped the gated watchhouse compound while handcuffed around 4pm yesterday.

A search was undertaken by officers and drone units to locate Mr Mitchell but ultimately proved unsuccessful.

“It is believed Keenan was provided assistance to remove the handcuffs, which were found in the area of Ghan Road earlier today,” police media manager Rob Cross said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

It was not explained why the police did not publicly report the escape sooner.

“Police land and air assets will continue searching for the escapee today, who is described as being of Aboriginal appearance with dark skin, a medium build, short dark hair and at the time was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and a face mask,” Mr Cross said.

Anyone with information on Keenan Mitchell’s whereabouts is being asked to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, referencing case number 9957982.