Female Wadeye police officer left bleeding while responding to axe attack

A police officer responding to an axe assault was left bleeding after being pelted with rocks in Wadeye.

A police officer was hit with a rock in the remote community of Wadeye.

A bleeding police officer took herself to a remote health clinic before returning to help an axe attack victim as unrest continues in Wadeye.

NT Police are investigating a fresh spate of assaults following a four-week long officer surge to the West Daly region.

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said a female officer was attacked by a group of people throwing rocks on Thursday evening.

Mr Chalker said the officer was responding to reports of an axe attack about 9.45pm when she was attacked on Kolumboort St.

“A rock was thrown at them while they were responding,” he said.

“Incredibly that officer went to the clinic, had some glue to fix the laceration she received.”

As she was being treated, the local night patrol officers dispersed the group.

Mr Chalker said after the 2cm deep cut was patched up, she returned to the scene to help the victim, who was found with an axe wound to his lower right leg.

A man was then taken to the Wadeye clinic for treatment.

Mr Chalker said the latest attack was an “anomaly” after a four-week operation in Wadeye in response to continued family fighting.

“That incident overnight was one that we haven’t seen for a while,” he said.

“We had a significant four-week operation that really helped recalibrate things out there.

“We saw some family fighting, that escalated, and that was the unfortunate outcome.

“But we’re very hopeful the strong leadership in the community will continue in collaboration with the police.”

Mr Chalker said he was in touch with the injured officer, saying “she had a bit of a sore head this morning”.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“But it (was) an incredible effort by her and her team.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Wadeye was an “important region” in the NT and the government continued to work with Traditional Owners and the local community.

“We did see an incident take place that’s under investigation and I really thank those frontline services that stepped up,” she said.

“We have seen improvements in housing and had an enormous effort getting a number of dwellings back online, which means they can be occupied so that takes some of the pressure off.

“It has been decades long and there’s a number of factors driving out there, but we’re certainly committed to the region and its people.”

Commander Kylie Anderson said the attack on the police officer was “completely reprehensible” with an investigation in progress to find the perpetrators.

Commander Anderson called on anyone with information about the assaults to contact police.

“Wadeye police have been working extraordinarily hard over an extended period to keep community residents safe,” she said.

“The fact that one of those residents chose to deliberately harm an officer is completely reprehensible and police are currently working to identify all those involved.

“All emergency service workers should be able to turn up to work confident that the community will keep them safe as they serve and protect that very same community.”

Northern Territory Police Association president Paul McCue highlighted concerns for officers in remote communities.

NTPA President Paul McCue. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

“Wadeye, along with many remote stations, continues to be faced with significant resource challenges,” Mr McCue said.

“Which results in officers being required to work unsafe amounts of overtime, and often find themselves with insufficient staffing on busy evening and night shifts.”

Mr McCue said he was aware of one remote officer who did more than 200 hours of overtime, in just six weeks.

“This is completely unsafe, and unsustainable in terms of being able to meet their core business,” he said.

Commander Anderson said there were 14 sworn officers in Wadeye, with support from two Aboriginal Liaison Officers.

“In addition to the efforts of local officers, other police units continue to target the drivers of crime and social dysfunction in Wadeye by maintaining an ongoing presence on road networks and at airport departure points targeting residents attempting to transport alcohol and other drugs into remote community,” Commander Anderson said.

“Local officers provide a 24/7 public safety response to the community whilst also engaging with local community leaders and stakeholders to support them in identifying long term solutions.

“The issue of adequate respite is monitored by the local Officer in Charge and additional resourcing provided as and when the need arises.”

Originally published as Female Wadeye police officer left bleeding while responding to axe attack