Man charged after hitting NT shop worker

A man who shoplifted and allegedly hit a Darwin shop assistant in the face has been charged with assault.

Police say a female shop assistant, 51, questioned the 24-year-old as he tried to leave a Fannie Bay business on Tuesday morning, allegedly without paying for items.

Police say he hit her in the face and fled before being arrested nearby.

He has been charged with assaulting a worker, unlawfully causing serious harm and stealing, and will appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on Wednesday.