An 11-year-old girl who was handcuffed during an arrest but later ran away, sparking a public plea for help in finding her, has been found near Darwin.

The girl, who NT Police said was "located safe and well at a residence in Palmerston" on Wednesday night had been missing for four days.

She was taken into custody last week at her Tennant Creek school but later ran away.

This afternoon, NT Police posted a photo of the girl on social media asking for the public's help in locating her.

In a statement, NT Police said they could "confirm an 11-year-old child suspected of a number of property offences in Tennant Creek, was arrested at her school" on Thursday, November 19.

"The location and time of her arrest was deliberately chosen to minimise potential embarrassment for the child," the statement said.

Police said they "explained the arrest process" to the girl in the presence of her aunt.

"The officers then spoke to the child, explaining what was happening, and sought her cooperation," police said.

They said the girl "grew increasingly uncooperative, argumentative and aggressive" during their attempt to take her into custody, at which point she was "restrained accordingly".

"This was done in accordance with NT Police normal operational procedures. Children are only ever restrained as a last option, and only ever to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them."

Police said they had launched an investigation after a complaint was made about the girl being handcuffed.