Roper Gulf region, Northern Territory: Teenage boy speared in back during unrest in remote community
A 14-year-old boy speared in the back during unrest in a remote community has been flown to hospital as police try to calm tensions between feuding families.
A 14-year-old boy has been speared in the back as tensions rise between family groups in a remote outback community, police say.
The spearing allegedly occurred in Ngukurr, one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory’s Roper Gulf region, with a population of just over 1000 people.
The community unrest started on Friday evening, with police receiving reports of a large disturbance between two family groups in the township.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“A number of people were allegedly armed with weapons during the disturbance,” police said in a statement.
No injuries were reported at the time.
More reports of disturbances involving weapons were received after tensions escalated on Saturday afternoon.
“At around 5.35pm, police received a report that a 14-year-old boy had been speared in the middle of his back,” police said.
Officers went to the local health clinic where they spoke with the boy and his family.
“He was subsequently medically evacuated by CareFlight for further treatment and remains in a stable condition,” police said.
Officers are working with local leaders and Elders in a bid to prevent further violence.
