An armed man has been arrested in Alice Springs after a CCTV operator in Darwin observed a male in the possession of weapons, and alerted Police.

The camera operator witnessed the alleged offender walking west along Wills Terrace opposite Anzac Park carrying a boomerang and a large machete together in one hand, and tracked the male’s movements until police arrived.

Superintendent Mark Christopher of the Territory Communications and Emergency Management Division said the vigilance of the CCTV operator and swift response by Alice Springs police had resulted in a potential serious assault being prevented.

The operators constantly scan all of the CCTV cameras looking for any type of offending.  When they sight unlawful activity they quickly direct police to the location, and provide further information until the offender is located,” said Superintendent Christopher.

 Police engaged the male at the steps to Anzac Hill.  On seeing police, the alleged offender has attempted to hide the weapons underneath his clothing.

"While there is no evidence to indicate the armed male was definitely going to use the weapons on another person, the potential for this to occur was great.

“This is another example of proficient monitoring of CCTV and the operators working in partnership with our front line officers to continue to keep the community safe,” concluded Superintendent Mark Christopher.