Last night at 5.50pm, four young males attempted to escape from the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

All four young people were back in their rooms within 25 minutes at 6.15pm.

The incident occurred while a group of eight young people were being escorted back to their rooms from a recreational activity. The three detainees and one remanded youth ran to the inner perimeter fence and attempted to cut though the fence with a pair of pliers removed from a vocational training workshop session which had been held prior to the recreational activity.

Youth Justice Officers responded immediately to the incident by notifying Police, apprehending the young people in their attempt, and returning the other young people who were being escorted, to their rooms.

An incident debrief carried out last night now requires an investigation to be undertaken into why the workshop tool was not accounted for at the closure of that training session.

A search of the facility will also be undertaken today, while the young people are in school, to ensure no further inappropriate materials are kept within the areas of the centre that the young people access.

The Youth Justice Officers involved in the incident managed the situation professionally and respectfully.

Two Youth Justice Officers received minor injuries during the attempt and have since sought medical treatment. Both are returning to normal duties.

The matter will be referred to NT Police for investigation as to whether charges should be laid against the young people for the assault of Youth Justice Officers.

NT Police responded to the call from the centre immediately and were swift and comprehensive with their support to ensure the external perimeter fence of the detention centre was secure.