Five arrested following violent brawl in central Alice Springs with curfew set to end

Extra police have been called in to keep residents safe before the town’s snap curfew ends on Thursday morning following a string of shocking incidents.

Police have made multiple arrests following a violent brawl in Alice Springs. Picture: Action for Alice

A violent brawl erupted in the centre of Alice Springs on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in an increased police presence for the final night of the town’s curfew.

The curfew was announced by Northern Territory Police on Monday after the alleged assault of four off-duty police officers by a group of 20 male youths on Sunday morning.

Restrictions have been in place from 10pm to 6am since Monday and is due to end at 6am on Thursday.

Northern Territory Police said no serious injuries were reported but a number of weapons were seized. Picture: Action for Alice / Facebook.

Northern Territory Police confirmed it made several arrests in relation to a “violent disturbance” on Wednesday afternoon after responding to multiple reports that a large group was fighting with “various weapons” on Bath Street in central Alice Springs at about 1.15pm.

“The incident is believed to have involved family groups known to one another,” Northern Territory Police said in a statement.

“Multiple police units, including Strike Force Viper, the Dog Operations Unit and Southern Traffic Operation members, attended the incident to engage and restore order.

“The crowd was dispersed and there is no threat to public safety.”

NT Police confirmed officers arrested two females aged 17 and 19, and three males aged 21, 26 and 42, at the scene.

“All are expected to be charged with various offences, including disorderly behaviour in a public place and armed with offensive weapon,” the statement read.

“No serious injuries have been reported to police and a number of weapons including nulla-nullas, spears, a baseball bat and a machete were seized.”

Acting Southern Commander Drew Slape said extra officers would be working on Wednesday night.

The brawl occurred in a Coles car park. Picture: Action for Alice / Facebook.

“I commend the work of our police to respond to the incident quickly and apprehend the offenders,” Acting Southern Commander Slape said.

“This sort of violent criminal conduct has no place in our community.

“We will continue to take action against people who engage in this type of reprehensible behaviour.

“Our dedicated officers have responded to calls to assist and we will have extra members working tonight, giving up their time off in order to keep Alice Springs residents safe.”

Sky News reported the brawl involved about 50 people, including adults and teenagers, and occurred in a Coles car park with multiple spot fires breaking out.

Northern Territory Police Minister Brent Potter said a decision about whether to extend the 72-hour curfew in Alice Springs would be made on Thursday, the ABC reports.