Man critical in hospital after police shooting near school in Northern Territory

A police shooting near a school in the Northern Territory has left a man fighting for life, as authorities launch an investigation into the incident.

A man is in a critical condition following a police shooting near a school in the Northern Territory.

Police attended parkland in Palmerston about 9am on Tuesday when they were allegedly confronted by a man and shot him.

Ambulance officers rushed the man to Royal Darwin Hospital where he is understood to be receiving treatment, including undergoing surgery.

None of the police officers involved in the shooting were injured.

Assistant Commissioner Michael White told reporters the indigenous man was armed with a weapon.

“They called upon that person to drop the weapon and unfortunately a number of shots were fired by the police injuring a male,” he said.

“Police have dispatched a strong, detailed investigative team, looking at all aspects of the investigation, including what happened prior to, reasons why that person was armed in a public place and also the circumstances of the shooting itself.”

There are reports the man was carrying a spear.

Asked whether he was threatening police, Mr White said it would form part of the investigation.

“We understand there was an incident earlier in the morning at that location,” he said.

“A person is in hospital ... from that incident earlier this morning.”

Mr White said the circumstances of that incident were still being investigated.

He also said the use of force was something that police had to do sometimes.

“It’s not something that we want to do,” he said.

“We don’t come to work every day thinking that we will injure someone or be involved in a police shooting.”

Police are investigating what happened. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Northern Territory Police Association posted about the incident on social media.

“The NTPA are aware of a critical incident in Palmerston this morning,” they said.

“Representatives from the NTPA are on the ground and on scene, assisting our members and providing ongoing support.”

Gray Primary School also posted about the incident on social media.

“We are aware of a police incident down the road from Gray School,” they said.

“The police have advised us that all students are safe and we can go about our day as normal.

“Please be advised that Victoria Dr is blocked from the school car park to Emery Ave, if you need to access the school please use Essington Ave.”