Four people charged over New Year’s Day unrest in Aurukun

Four people, including a teenage boy, have been charged following fiery New Year’s Day riots that left homes and cars damaged and people fearing for their lives.

FOUR people have been charged with riot and arson offences following unrest in the aftermath of an alleged murder in Aurukun over the New Year period.

Police allege a large group of people took to the streets of the Cape York township following the death of a 37-year-old local man on New Year’s Day.

Aurukun tensions remain high after rioting, murder charges

They were armed with sticks and metal bars and allegedly broke into homes and cars, in some cases starting fires.

Police say six dwellings were set alight, with some being destroyed.

Other property sustained fire damage to the exterior.

Six dwellings were attacked and sustained damage during the riots on New Year’s Day. Picture: Queensland Police Service

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with one count of arson, one count of riot, three counts of enter dwelling and three counts of wilful damage.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with one count each or arson and riot.

A 40-year-old man has been charged with two counts of arson, one count of riot, three counts of enter with intent and three counts of wilful damage.

They appeared in Aurukun Magistrates Court yesterday and have been remanded in custody in Cairns.

A 47-year-old man has been charged with one count each of riot and wilful damage and will appear in Aurukun Court on January 15.