Three men are in custody in relation to the death of a 37-year-old man in Alice Springs
on Friday night.

Police said the victim, Edward Charles Hargrave, died following a disturbance near the Keith Lawrie Flats on the corner of Bloomfield Street and Musgrave Street around midnight on Friday. It appears Mr Hargrave was with a group of people involved in an altercation earlier in the evening which began outside the Memorial Club on Gap road.

The men in one group then chased three men in another group towards the flats. Another altercation then began during which Mr Hargrave was assaulted and died a short time later.

An autopsy was conducted yesterday and it appears the preliminary cause of death was the victim died as a result of a stab wound to the upper chest. At the time witnesses told police Mr Hargrave had been hit to the head with an iron bar. Subsequent investigations have shown this was not the case.

Three men aged 21, 22 and 25 were arrested yesterday and will be interviewed today.

Police are appealing to anyone with any information about the incident to come forward. Anyone with information should phone 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
(08) 8951 8825
0419 803 603