A 14-year-old boy was speared in the back amid rising tensions between family groups in the remote Northern Territory community of Ngukurr, police reported on Saturday.
Ngukurr, situated in the Roper Gulf region, is one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the territory and has a population exceeding 1,000 people. The unrest reportedly began on Friday evening, with authorities receiving initial reports of a significant disturbance involving two family groups within the town. Police stated that a number of individuals were allegedly armed with weapons during this initial incident, though no injuries were reported at that time.
Tensions escalated on Saturday afternoon, leading to further reports of disturbances involving weapons. At approximately 5:35 p.m., police received a report that the 14-year-old boy had been speared in the middle of his back.
Officers responded to the local health clinic to attend to the injured boy and speak with his family. He was subsequently transported by CareFlight for further medical treatment and is reported to be in a stable condition. Law enforcement is collaborating with local leaders and Elders in an effort to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence.