An investigation is under way after a serious custody incident in Leanyer

A boy who was taken to hospital following a serious custody incident in Darwin remains in hospital. Here’s the latest on his condition.

The serious custody incident took place at Hibiscus Shoppingtown in Leanyer, in Darwin's northern suburbs. Picture: Tara Miko

The condition of a boy who was involved in a serious custody incident has been revealed.

A Royal Darwin Hospital spokesman said on Wednesday morning, the 12-year-old boy’s condition was critical but stable.

Officers were called to Hibiscus Shoppingtown in Leanyer about 4pm on Monday with reports of a youth causing a disturbance.

Upon arrival, police spoke with a security guard and identified the boy, who was still at the scene.

Police say the youth began to flee as officers approached him before he fell to the ground and suffered a medical episode.

Officers performed first aid on the boy before St John paramedics arrived and took him to hospital.

A Darwin Royal Hospital spokeswoman said the boy remained in a critical but stable condition.

Detective Superintendent Mark Malogorski on Tuesday said the boy was expected to make a full recovery.

“I would like to commend the actions of St John Ambulance and Casuarina general duties who attended and provided initial first aid,” he said.

“The incident was reported to police as a disturbance involving solely the youth, no weapons were reported.

“The matter is being investigated as a serious custody incident to ensure all actions by police were appropriate.

“Support and wellbeing has been offered to all our members involved in this incident.”

The Crime Division is investigating the incident.

A Territory Families, Housing and Communities spokeswoman said the department could not discuss individual matters.

“The Department of Health has responsibility for the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act 2005,” she said.

“TFHC work in collaboration with the DoH and the families of young people to address risks that impact on the safety and wellbeing of young people where they are involved in volatile substance abuse.”