Darwin inmates escape from Don Dale

Two young inmates from the Don Dale detention centre in Darwin have escaped overnight.

Police are hunting for the two teenagers, Josiah Binsaris and Trey Mawson, both 17, who escaped after returning to their accommodation block on Wednesday evening because a storm was about to hit.

"Contact is being made with known friends and relatives seeking their support to locate the young detainees," Territory Families said in a statement on Thursday.

Binsaris is described as about 185cm tall, slim build with short dark hair.

Mawson is described as about 176cm tall, slim build with short wavy dark hair.

Neither should be approached, police said.