Smoke billows from vacant building after apparent rubbish fire

Emergency services responded to an apparent structure fire at a vacant building on McMinn St. Here’s what happened.

October 31, 12pm: Emergency services have responded to an apparent structure fire at a vacant building on McMinn St.

Smoke filled the air at 11.50am as police and fireys arrived at the scene.

It appeared as though the site, which is listed for sale, had smoke emerging from the rear shed.

When the smoke appeared to be under control, a team of four police members were led by a firey to further examine the scene.

It is understood the fire was the result of rubbish raked together and set alight.

Nearby witnesses from Mission Australia said they were unsure of what had happened.

Four children arrested after alleged crime spree across Darwin

October 31, 9.30am: Four children have been arrested after they allegedly tried to carjack a vehicle and broke into five businesses in one night.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Humphries said the group – aged between 13 and 15 – allegedly broke into businesses across Darwin’s northern suburbs between midnight and 4am Wednesday.

Sergeant Humphries said two members of the group also tried to carjack a vehicle on Wood St.

He alleged the pair approached the victim in their parked vehicle, assaulted them and threatened them with an edged weapon, then fled.

Sergeant Humphries said Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit tracked the group down with the help of CCTV and ankle monitors.

“This is a great example of efficient teamwork between Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit,” he said.

“Their ability to identify and apprehend the offenders within two hours of responding demonstrates their dedication and effectiveness.”

Sergeant Humphries said investigations were ongoing.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro alleged the group had more than 1000 “previous involvements with police”.

She alleged two of the teens had cut their ankle monitors off.

“The overnight violent crime spree involving this group of youths was shocking and is exactly the reason why we passed our ‘Reducing Crime’ laws on urgency in Parliament this month,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“Under Declan’s Law, there will be a presumption against bail for youths aged between 10 and 17, who are serious violent offenders, or repeat offenders.

“Samara Laverty’s son, Declan, was murdered while at work, at the hands of someone out on bail for violent offending.

“This cannot happen to an innocent victim again.”

NT taxi driver attacked by girls after fare ended

October 29, 6am: A taxi driver has been attacked by four girls after a short trip between suburbs.

Northern Watch Commander Steve Langdon said the driver transported the four children from Karama to Leanyer about 2am Tuesday.

Sergeant Langdon said when the taxi pulled up at its destination, the girls assaulted him and fled on foot.

He said the group had yet to be identified, by the taxi driver had given a statement to police.

The vehicle’s CCTV is set to be reviewed.

NT cop charged with domestic violence offences

October 28, 4pm: A Northern Territory Police officer will face court over alleged domestic violence after being served with a notice to appear on Monday afternoon.

In a statement police said the 58-year-old officer was charged with domestic violence offences in connection with an incident on September 21.

The officer has been suspended with pay and is scheduled to appear at the Darwin Local Court on December 9.

Man arrested after Darwin student hit by car

October 28, 12pm: A man has been arrested for alleged drug driving after a student was hit by a car in Darwin, police say.

On Monday morning, police say they received reports a pedestrian had been struck by a car near Bradshaw Terrace and Trower Rd, Casuarina.

NT Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene to offer support to the pedestrian, a teenage student, who sustained minor injuries.

It was not confirmed whether the student, believed to be aged 13 to 14, had been taken to hospital.

A teenage pedestrian was struck by a car near the Hungry Jack’s on Bradshaw Terrace and Trower Rd, Casuarina

At a press conference mid Monday morning, Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin said the driver had been arrested.

“The adult male driver of that vehicle was subsequently arrested as a result of a positive roadside drug test and will later be charged under the Traffic Act,” she said.

“That investigation is ongoing.”

The Department of Education has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Smoke billows from vacant building after apparent rubbish fire