Crocodile captured in Darwin after it was found loitering outside a police station 

A freshwater crocodile has been taken into custody after roaming the streets of Darwin terrorising residents.

Reports of a one metre freshwater crocodile on the loose in the suburb of Palmerston sparked a police manhunt on Sunday night.

The crocodile was found ‘loitering’ outside the new police station on Temple Terrace, where it was captured and taken into police custody.

It was later released and freed with the help of a wildlife ranger.

No one was harmed during the incident.  

Northern Territory Police said the incident was a reminder to the public to be aware of increased crocodile activity in the Top End during the wet season, especially near waterways. 

Police have since shared photos of officers with the captured croc.  

‘Croc-catching cops not expecting any jaw-dropping alliga-tions after a crocodile was found loitering outside Palmerston Police Station,’ NT Police posted on Facebook. 

‘The Territory Reptile Group took the snappy critter into custody in the early hours of this morning.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NT Police for further details.

It’s possible the crocodile may have escaped from Darwin Harbour, which is near Palmerston.

The crocodile was captured outside a police station after roaming the streets of Darwin

Also known as a freshie, freshwater crocodiles are native to northern Australia, mostly in Western Australia and Northern Territory where they are a protected species.

They live in rivers, lagoons and billabongs but are being wiped out by their saltwater relatives.

Unlike their much larger and deadlier Australian relatives, freshwater crocodiles are not known as man-eaters and don’t regard humans as potential prey.

But they will bite in self-defence and a number of non-fatal attacks have occurred as a result of mistaken identity. 

Police shared photos of their snappy arrest after residents raised the alarm