A youth has been arrested and charged in relation to an unlawful entry and assault at a sporting club in Alice Springs overnight.

Around 9:20pm security guards responded to an automated alarm at a sporting club on Heath Road where they found the bar area of the club had been broken into and two offenders still inside.

The security guards confronted the offenders and gave directions to surrender at which point it is alleged the two people armed themselves with various items such as bar stools, pot plants and bottles and threw them at the guards. Several items struck the guards resulting in minor injuries.

One offender managed to escape while the other was detained by the security and handed to police.

The 16-year-old male was transported to the Alice Springs Watch House and is expected to be charged with one count each of Unlawful Entry, Stealing, Damage to property and Robbery.

Four cans of alcohol were stolen and a significant amount of damage was done to the premises.

Superintendent Jo Foley commended the quick actions taken by security personnel.

“In this instance the guards involved have prevented the loss of property and resulted in a suspect being brought to justice. No one should go to work and be assaulted for doing their job.”

“We’re thankful no one suffered any major injuries and stress the point to anyone faced in such circumstances to contact police on 000 immediately.

“However we want to reassure the community that incidents such as these will not be tolerated and police continue to investigate and pursue these offenders.

Police will continue to conduct inquiries to identify the other people involved and urge anyone with information which may assist with this inquiries to contact police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 referencing PROMIS number 9088151.