Two men were arrested after allegedly being involved in a disturbance in which two police officers were assaulted and a police horse was punched to the head numerous times.

Police were called to a large disturbance involving up to 20 people in Darwin's CBD around 4.30am this morning.

While police attempted to disperse the crowd a man grabbed hold of police horse Bunda Cocaine's bridle and began punching him to the head. While other police came to assist, one police officer was punched to the stomach and another punched to the head leaving him in a semi-conscious state. He was taken by ambulance to Royal Darwin Hospital and later allowed to leave.

A 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with:

Assault police (2 counts)
Resist police
Hinder police
Offensive language in a public place

A second man, aged 22, was arrested and charged with:
Hinder police
Disorderly behaviour

They have both been bailed to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court on September 13.
Media Contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
(08) 8951 8825
0419 803 603