Four people have been arrested after an alleged violent brawl in Darwin’s northern suburbs left a 30-year-old man in a critical condition, according to Northern Territory Police and ABC News.
Police said about 30 people got off a bus in Nightcliff on Monday afternoon and became involved in a large fight. Some were allegedly carrying weapons, including poles, rocks and axes, while nearby businesses placed staff and customers into lockdown as the disturbance unfolded.
The injured man, who is from the remote community of Wadeye, was allegedly knocked to the ground and repeatedly assaulted by several people. Police said he suffered skull fractures and serious injuries to his face and legs and remained in critical condition.
A 17-year-old girl from Wadeye has been arrested and charged with intending to cause serious harm. Three men from Wadeye, aged 21, 29 and 43, have also been arrested. All four remain in custody, while police continue trying to locate other people allegedly involved.
A witness told ABC News the incident was confronting and left people feeling unsafe in the suburban shopping centre. Staff at a nearby Salvos Opportunity Shop reportedly locked down the store during the fight.
Acting Superintendent Josh Cunningham said Wadeye was experiencing a heightened period of unrest. Police said up to 100 people had been involved in a separate disturbance in the community, where weapons allegedly included compound bows, spears and metal objects. A 22-year-old man was seriously injured after allegedly being struck in the back with a three-pronged spear.
Additional police were sent to Wadeye, and officers seized 107 litres of alcohol and half a kilogram of cannabis during a four-day operation, police said. Cunningham said officers remained in the community to help restore calm and support local staff.