Asylum seeker caught after escape in NT

A 27-year-old Nepalese detainee has been caught after escaping during an outing in Darwin.

The immigration detention centre on Manus Island is expected to close by the end of the year. Source: AAP

An asylum seeker detainee who ran away during a scheduled outing in Darwin has been caught by police.

Amit Hamal, 27, was visiting the Crocosaurus Cove aquarium in Darwin's CBD around 11am on Monday when he escaped, Northern Territory police say.

He was being detained at the Wickham Point Detention Centre, about 40km south of Darwin.

He was found and arrested in downtown Darwin on Monday evening.

It's not yet known whether he will face criminal charges.