Alice Springs youth curfew in place after 150 people run riot through the streets

A curfew is in place for youth in Alice Springs to prevent more violence in the town after 150 people rioted through the streets.

A curfew has been imposed on youth in Alice Springs for 14 days, including the Easter long weekend, after 150 people allegedly rioted through the streets.

It happened on Tuesday afternoon after the funeral of an 18-year old man who was killed while allegedly joy-riding in a stolen vehicle.

Tensions between feuding families erupted at the funeral, escalating into scenes of violence that were captured on video by terrified bystanders.

The curfew is in place for anyone aged under 18. They are not allowed into the CBD from 6pm to 6am.

Any youth found in the town centre without a valid reason will be taken home or to a safe place.

Youth caught in the CBD during the curfew will not be fined and will not face any criminal penalties.

An additional 58 police officers will be deployed to Alice Springs to help manage the crisis.

Police patrol by the river in Alice Spring, not long before curfew. Picture: Action for Alice

On Wednesday, Alice Springs chief minister Eva Lawler declared the situation an emergency, introducing the curfew to keep the community safe.

“Alice Springs residents and businesses deserve every support to get through this period and that’s exactly what we are doing,” she said.

Minister for Police Brent Potter said they were responding to unacceptable, abhorrent behaviour across Alice Springs.

“The Territory Safety Division has a 23-strong team in Alice Springs right now conducting operations to apprehend all involved in the unrest.

“These officers will be supported by another 58 police on their way to Alice Springs right now.

“This is not just a policing issue. We must collaborate with community leaders to keep Alice Springs safe.”

A big crowd gathers at Pigglys Gap Rd in Alice Springs, not long before curfew. Picture: Action for Alice

The NT government came under fire following the riots, with the mayor of Alice Springs and Territory members calling for the federal government to step in and take control.

Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson said the whole town felt defeated.

“For 18 months no one listened to us,” he said.

“We need the federal government to take over the leadership of the NT, if they cannot provide safety in the Alice then the Federal Police or Defence need to step in.”

Blain MLA Mark Turner said the Northern Territory was broken and that the situation in Alice Springs had become completely unmanageable.

“There has been a chronic mismanagement of government in the NT and look at what’s happened,” he said.

“These sorts of things happen when we screw everything else up, this is what is happening in the Alice, the longer they screw up strategies the worse it will get.”