Northern Territory Police have arrested three youths after an officer was allegedly stabbed while responding to a disturbance in Darwin City yesterday afternoon.

Just before 4.30pm, police received reports that a girl had assaulted a security guard and damaged items inside a shopping centre on Smith Street.

CCTV operators tracked the 14-year-old girl to the Cavanagh Street area, where police located her with a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl.

As officers approached the group, the boy allegedly pushed past them and fled. The 14-year-old girl allegedly produced a kitchen knife and struck an officer, causing injuries to his upper arm and chest.

A taser was deployed, and the 14-year-old girl was arrested at the scene. The injured officer was assessed by St John Ambulance and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

CCTV operators continued to track the other two youths through the CBD. Police established a cordon around a Tomaris Court unit complex, where both were located and arrested without incident.

Police Commissioner Martin Dole APM said the attack on the officer was unacceptable.

“Our officers responded to reports of a person armed with a knife in a busy part of the city. One of those officers was injured while protecting the community.

“Police officers should be able to respond to calls for help without being attacked. No one should have to face violence at work, whether they are a police officer, a security guard or anyone else.

“This was a serious incident, and I’m relieved the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening.”

Strike Force Trident is continuing to investigate, and charges are yet to be laid.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is urged to call 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2600092013.