Media release

Disturbance –Yuendumu - 4615204

Police

Additional police officers have been sent to Yuendumu today following large disturbances in the community in the past 24 hours.

Police from Haasts Bluff and Alice Springs were sent to the community to assist Yuendumu police following an outbreak of fighting in the community and police from Nyrippi and Papunya are manning roadblocks.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Gill said members of the Territory Response Section were also being flown to the community to assist.

"During the past 24 hours police have had to deal with numerous disturbances involving armed offenders," A/Sen Sgt Gill said.

"Many of these incidents are the result of on-going family conflicts, however, the situation has recently been exacerbated by the death of a Yuendumu man and the subsequent arrest of two people in relation to that death."

During the day, police received reports of five cars being torched and one house being set alight and police were also called to numerous incidents involving groups of up to 50 people being involved in fighting. Many of these were armed with sticks, iron bars, spears and nulla nullas. Police received reports of up to five people receiving injuries.

"No-one has yet been arrested but several of the offenders have been identified and will be dealt with during the course of the on-going investigations into the disturbances," Acting Sen Sgt Gill said.

Police issued a travel warning this afternoon and have asked motorists to avoid travelling to the community until the issues have been resolved.

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
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0419 803 603