Weapons seized after violent disturbance at town camp

By ANDREW STAFFORD

Three men have been arrested and a large number of traditional and improvised weapons seized after a serious affray involving between 80 and 100 people.

Northern Territory police were called to a violent disturbance at a town camp near Tennant Creek about 1pm on Sunday amid reports three vehicles had been set on fire and a large group of people were fighting.

A 44-year-old man was located among the crowd with serious injuries and was taken to Tennant Creek Hospital by St John Ambulance for treatment.

The crowd was dispersed after police arrived, but altercations continued to break out.

Police say the behaviour was disrespectful to Traditional Owners and the community of Tennant Creek. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Three men were charged with offences including going armed in public and violent disorder and have been remanded in custody.

Further charges are expected to be laid.

Superintendent Peter Dash said the disturbance was related to an ongoing feud between families in outlying communities in relation to multiple fatal vehicle crashes in the region.

“NT Police has been working closely with AFLNT, Patta Aboriginal Corporation and other service delivery partners in Tennant Creek to ensure scenes like this did not occur in our town,” he said.

“We are extremely disappointed that these families chose to attend Tennant Creek armed with a variety of traditional and improvised weapons, intent on causing harm to others.”

Supt Dash said the behaviour was disgraceful and disrespectful to the Traditional Owners and community of Tennant Creek.

He said anyone who engaged in such violence could expect to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“NT Police will continue to work with the affected families and communities to attempt to conciliate this ongoing tension and prevent feuds,” he said.

“NT Police will be speaking with AFLNT to determine whether there are consequences for the visiting football teams.”

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