Police have denied media reports that they failed to attend the scene of an assault with a knife in Alice Springs on Wednesday night.

Media reports in both the Advocate and the NT News today claim a night porter at the Diplomat Hotel rang police after he was threatened with a knife by intruders on the premises just before 1am on Thursday morning. Police acknowledge this, however, Commander Bert Hofer said two police patrols in fact followed up this complaint within minutes of the matter being reported.

"Attending members, however, failed to speak to the complainant, notwithstanding extensive patrols of the area in search of the alleged offender were undertaken, and in fact, a person matching the description of one of the offenders was apprehended a short time later," Commander Hofer said.

"Police later advised the victim of the apprehension, however, I acknowledge that we could have provided the victim with further information in a more timely fashion.

"Alice Springs has a 24 hour police station. Unfortunately the member on front counter duties was temporarily away from the desk when the complainant came to the Police Station yesterday morning. At these times the front doors are secured and a call button is available."

Commander Hofer said that the victim in this matter has been contacted by a Divisional Superintendent and given a comprehensive explanation of what occurred. An investigation into his complaint is underway.

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
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