Top End crime: Man allegedly assaulted by male relative in Yirrkala

A man who was allegedly smacked across the head with a blunt object by his own relative remains in a critical condition in a Top End hospital.

NT Police are investigating after a Katherine service station was attacked twice this week. Picture: Gera Kazakov.

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Top End rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest in the Top End – from Katherine to Darwin, West Daly, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.

January 29, 3.35pm: A man who was allegedly smacked across the head with a blunt object by his own relative remains in a critical condition.

NT Police allege a 38-year-old man assaulted a male relative – also aged 38 – about 9.55pm on Monday night at Yirrkala.

The man suffered “serious injuries” to his head and after being taken first to Gove District Hospital, he was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

As at the time of writing, the man remained at RDH in a critical but stable condition.

The relative was arrested on Tuesday, police say, and they remain in custody.

Support services for those affected by domestic or family violence are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

‘Unacceptable’: Security guard assaulted in servo station attack

January 28, 2.30pm: A Katherine service station has been targeted twice in less than 48 hours, with a 72-year-old security guard injured while trying to protect the roadside stop.

About 10.55pm on Sunday, Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that five kids were allegedly damaging the front doors of a service station on Bicentennial Road.

Staff were able to secure lock themselves in a backroom during the ordeal.

After breaking inside the building, the group jumped the counter and stole a quantity of cigarettes and the cash register before fleeing on foot.

In a separate incident at 12.40am on Tuesday, JESCC received a report a group of five kids were throwing rocks at the same station before fleeing after a security guard intervened.

The group returned a short time later and again threw rocks at the service station, as well as the security guard who was struck on the head.

Police and St John Ambulance officers arrived on-site and provided first aid to the victim, who was treated at the scene.

Strike Force Cerberus members have carriage of both incidents and continue to investigate.

“This behaviour is unacceptable, and no on deserves to be assaulted while at work,” Senior sergeant Warren Scott said.

“We take this type of offending incredibly seriously and will work tirelessly to locate and prosecute the individuals responsible.”

Originally published as Top End crime: Man allegedly assaulted by male relative in Yirrkala