‘Disgusting and abhorrent’: police presence ramps up in Alice following shocking weekend of CBD violence

ALICE Springs will have an enhanced police presence across all shifts from this coming weekend after ‘cowardly, violent’ incidents in the CBD on Saturday night

ALICE Springs will get an enhanced police presence across all shifts from this weekend following three alleged violent incidents in the CBD on Saturday night.

Assistant Commissioner Narelle Beer has ramped up police resources to get more cops out and about on horses, motorbikes and foot patrols following the “disgusting and abhorrent behaviour” the town witnessed at the weekend.

MORE CENTRALIAN NEWS

Trio charged over alleged bungled burglary in Alice Springs

Cheap flights available to, from Darwin, Uluru as Jetstar announces snap sale

Teen remanded in custody over rape charges, in relation to alleged incident last month

About 9pm on Saturday on Todd Street, CCTV captured footage of an adult male being set upon by another adult male, who allegedly punched him in the head in an entirely unprovoked attack.

The victim left the scene before police arrived but police are now urging him to come forward along with any other witnesses to the incident.

“We believe we know the identity of the offender,” Ms Beer said.

In another incident, a 34-year-old man and his pregnant wife were walking back to their car on Gregory Terrace after a night out when they were approached by four men.

The husband was allegedly punched in the back of the head by one of the men in a similarly unprovoked attack that Ms Beer described as “cowardly”.

The man was knocked unconscious and his wallet was then allegedly stolen.

The third incident occurred at popular night spot Epilogue, where an adult male allegedly stole a handbag.

He was subsequently chased down Todd Mall by the victim, a staff member and a security guard.

Ms Beer said the security guard suffered “serious facial injuries” in attempting to intervene.

He was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in relation to two of these incidents.

Police have not ruled out the possibility all three events are linked.

Police believe the alleged perpetrators in each instance are adults.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

“This intolerable, calculated behaviour (against) innocent people in our community has to stop,” Ms Beer said, promising “a significant increase in police resources out and about on the town”.

“You will see police everywhere — on corners, on horses, with police dogs, on motorbikes.

“This cowardly, violent approach is just unacceptable. This is something I haven’t seen for some time.”