A 17-year-old Syrian held at Omorfita police station escaped police custody on Friday afternoon and disappeared, only to turn himself in a couple of hours later.

The police had launched a manhunt with officers and patrol cards to recapture the teenager, who had been arrested to facilitate investigations into a case of theft and illegal possession of property.

A crisis centre was set up and investigations continued into the circumstances of the escape.

The teenager will now face additional charges.