Northern Territory Police are investigating after a police officer was allegedly assaulted and a police vehicle damaged by a 12-year-old boy in Tennant Creek early Tuesday morning.

At around 2am, Tennant Creek Police located the boy wandering the streets and engaged with him over concerns for his welfare.

While speaking with the boy, he allegedly spat at an officer, with the saliva striking the officer in the face.

The boy then allegedly threw a rock at the rear of a police vehicle, shattering the rear windscreen.

Police conveyed the boy to the Tennant Creek Watch House, where he has since been charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer and two counts of damage to property.

The officer attended Tennant Creek Hospital for precautionary testing following the incident.

Acting Commander Peter Dash condemned the behaviour.

“Spitting at a police officer is disgusting and completely unacceptable. Our officers come to work to protect the community and should never be subjected to this kind of behaviour.

“What is particularly disappointing is that police initially engaged with this young person because they were concerned for his welfare. That interaction resulted in an officer being spat on and a police vehicle being significantly damaged.

“That vehicle is now off the road until repairs can be completed, meaning one less police vehicle is available to respond to calls for assistance in the Tennant Creek community.”