Curfew imposed on troubled outback town
Written by admin on July 8, 2024
Alice Springs will be plunged into a snap three-day lockdown after a string of violent attacks, including the alleged assault of four off-duty police officers by a group of about 20 youths
The curfew on the outback town will last from 10pm till 6am for three days and apply to adults and children.
NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy on Monday announced the curfew after Sunday morning’s incident.
“I have had to deliberate carefully about the situation in Alice Springs over the last 20 hours,” Mr Murphy said.
“We had a number of people come to Alice Springs from across Central Australia for the purposes of the show circuit (and) the school holidays.”
Mr Murphy said “significant harm and civil disturbances” had occurred over the last three days.
One included an officer allegedly being run down by a vehicle, suffering a fracture to his leg and arm.
On Saturday, Mr Murphy said police were confronted by a “large-scale disturbance” involving up to 80 people.
He said officers were allegedly assaulted as they tried to disperse the crowd.
“That subsequently led to the (alleged) assault of four off-duty police who were walking home,” Mr Murphy said.
A 42-year-old woman was also allegedly stabbed on Sunday in the Alice Springs CBD. A man has been charged.
During their walk, the four off-duty police officers – three women and a man – were allegedly approached from behind by a group of about 20 male youths who proceeded to assault them.
One of the female off-duty officers was pulled to the ground and had her bag allegedly stolen.
Another woman was allegedly punched in the face and kicked before her mobile phone was taken.
The male off-duty officer was also punched and kicked.
The four off-duty officers returned to their accommodation and contacted police.
Two of the women were taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment of minor wounds.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.
It’s the second time this year a curfew has been imposed on Alice Springs, following a 14-day lock down around Easter after 150 people allegedly rioted through the streets.
Under laws introduced in May, the NT’s police commissioner has the power to declare 72-hour lockdowns to respond to “public disorder”.
Mr Murphy said the new curfew would be enforced in the confines between Anzac Hill, Schwarz Crescent, down to the hospital, from the Stuart Highway across to Leichhardt and Stott Terrace.
“Anyone coming into the zone can be engaged by police and asked to leave,” he said.
“Alternatively, they can be asked to stay if there’s another disturbance and they need to be contained for their own safety.”
Failures to abide police directions could lead to fines or arrests, Mr Murphy said.
He said people could still enter the curfew area for certain reasons – some of which include employment, visiting family, caring for another person, going into a fast-food restaurant or “some lawful purpose”.
Another includes if people are fleeing domestic violence.
