A 15-year-old male armed with a Japanese sword was arrested and charged after he allegedly threatened to kill a woman and her child on an Alice Springs street Sunday evening, NT Police said.

A statement from police said an off-duty officer saw the male teen armed with a katana – a Japanese sword – around 5:55pm. A second off-duty officer reported that the teen, along with another male youth, approached the officer wile walking with a woman and her child on Albrecht Drive “and made threats to kill them”.

Police said the woman and her child fled the scene while the officer confronted the males.

“The offender fled the scene and was subsequently arrested a short time later by responding police. No injuries were reported,” police media director Mark Wilton said in the statement.

The teen was remanded to appear in court today charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of making a threat to kill and one count of going armed in public.

Police did not say where they believe the male obtained the sword.

“Anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444,” Mr Wilton said. “In an emergency, dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.”