The disturbance initially commenced in Darwin, a short time before approximately 20 community members boarded a flight from Darwin to Groote Eylandt on Sunday evening. The community members had been in Darwin for a football carnival.

At 10.00 pm on Sunday night, Alyangula Police responded to several reports of people fighting with weapons at Angurugu Community, however when Police arrived the community was peaceful.

Yesterday at approximately 11.00 am, Police again responded to reports of people with weapons within the Angurugu Community. Upon arrival, Police found approximately 70 people in the area. A large number of the people present were in possession of spears, knives, home made machetes and other dangerous weapons.

Police seized 20 spears, a bow and 5 arrows, 2 spear guns and 3 large machetes amongst other weapons.

Five males aged between 23 and 27 were arrested and charged with offences including:
Fighting in a public place
Being armed with an offensive weapon
Being armed in a public place

Alyangula Police believe the violence is due to two conflicting families within the community.

Police enquiries are continuing and Police expect to make further arrests in relation to this incident.

Officer In Charge at Alyangula Police Station, Lee Morgan, said Police will continue to take a tough stance against people that carry or use weapons.

"People should be able to live in their communities without the fear of being hit with a spear or struck with a machete.

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

Media Note: Please credit NT Police if using attached photos.
Jasmine Featherstone
8922 3535