Doomadgee violence: More police officers flown to community as tensions escalate

”Bash him, bash him”: Violent video has emerged of frenzied mobs and bare-knuckle brawls on Doomadgee streets. Police have flown in reinforcements to address “rising tensions”. WATCH THE VIDEO

POLICE have flown in five extra officers after a mob of 40 stormed a house and firebombed a bedroom in escalating violence at Doomadgee.

Street fights, known as “fair fights”, watched by hundreds, have spiked in the 1300-strong Aboriginal township in the Gulf of Carpentaria in recent weeks.

Video has emerged of violent street fights in Doomadgee. Picture: supplied.

But Aboriginal leaders and senior police told The Courier-Mail the civil unrest was “nothing like” the large-scale rioting that tore apart Aurukun on New Year’s Day.

Footage captured by locals on phones shows the bare-knuckle fist fights as two rivals go toe-to-toe to settle differences between clans.

“We run this town, not you c … s,’’ shouts one onlooker baying for blood, as elders struggle to control a frenzied mob.

Young kids yell out “bash him, bash him”. Older women cry: “fair fight, fight fair”.

Men were filmed fighting on the streets of Doomadgee. Picture: supplied.

Several videos uploaded to social media from the township, dubbed by some locals as “Doom City”, show how quickly the violence can turn ugly.

In some fights posted earlier in January, the footage shows the fighters shaking hands and hugging after beating each other to a standstill, or if one is bleeding too heavily.

Male elders can be seen refereeing the boxers in a practice that dates back to the mission-era days, with the Gulf town now isolated by floodwaters of the wet season.

Police have flown in reinforcements to Doomadgee to address 'rising tensions'. Picture: supplied.

But, in other video clips posted a few days ago, angry young women can be seen intervening, screaming and flailing with wooden clubs at rival families.

Police were forced to withdraw from a massive street brawl that broke out in the community on Monday night, when stones were hurled at police vehicles.

That same night the community was rattled by an alleged arson attack when a group of up to 40 people stormed a house and set fire to furniture.

Mount Isa Police Acting Superintendent Rhys Newton said three investigators and two tactical crime squad officers had flown in to help restore order.

Another officer also arrived in Doomadgee on Tuesday.

Men were filmed fighting on the streets of Doomadgee. Picture: supplied.

“Street fighting and violence is no way to resolve conflict in remote communities,’’ Acting Superintendent Newton said. “It is unclear exactly what is behind the rising tensions. We want to mediate any issues without anyone resorting to violence.”

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Doomadgee Acting Mayor Jason Ned said it was a lack of respect for authority by young townsfolk that had led to “a bit of drama in town”.

“We’ve got bullshit laws that let off young criminals with a lollipop and handshake,’’ the Ganggalidda and Garrwa leader said.

Men were filmed fighting on the streets of Doomadgee. Picture: supplied.

“Back in the 1980s, tribal elders could make sure the young ones respect people. Now there’s no respect.’’

Police say they are currently investigating the incidents and are working to resort calm to the local community.

It is not suggested those in the fight were responsible for the arson attack or Monday night’s brawl.

A sign at the entrance to the township of Doomadgee.