Firey’s respond to unit fire in on Mannikan Ct, Palmerston
A Sunday shop in Top End suburbia has been interrupted by a unit fire, billowing out thick clouds of smoke to a nearby shopping centre. Read the latest.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.
November 10, 1.30pm: Sunday shoppers have watched on shocked as smoke billowed out of a unit and fireys battled to contain a fire in Top End suburbia.
Thick, stinky smoke covered the Bakewell Woolworths shopping complex on Sunday, as nearby workers and customers could do nothing but stand outside and watch as emergency services responded to a unit fire at 6 Mannikan Ct.
The unit most impacted by the blaze was on the top level of the complex, in the left hand corner, with dark smoke billowing out and scorched interior visible.
According to the NT fire incident map, the structure fire was reported at 1.14pm.
By roughly 1.35pm, firefighters were at the scene tackling the fire.
Extra fire crews could be seen arriving on scene and a pop-up shade structure was being set up outside the complex, as police blocked the road and directed traffic and bystanders away from the scene.
The cause of the fire is not know at this point.
Northern Territory Fire and Emergency services has been contacted for comment.
Police arrest Sydney man alleged to be distributing kava in Gapuwiyak
November 8, 8.33am: A Sydney man has been arrested after he was allegedly found in the possession of large quantities of an illicit substance in a remote Top End community.
Gapuwiyak police on November 4 searched a home in the community where they found a large amount of kava for the purpose of supplying in the community.
The kava was allegedly prepared and packaged into smaller quantities in preparation for quick distribution.
Police also seized a large amount of cash believed to be in relation to the sale of the kava.
A 55-year-old man from Sydney was arrested and charged with supplying a commercial quantity of kava and possessing a commercial quantity of kava.
He appeared in court on Thursday.
Constable Jake Kakies said the arrest was a “great example of how collaborative work between local police and community members allows police to identify alleged offending”.
“Gapuwiyak police will continue to target those who seek to gain benefit from the distribution of illicit substances in our remote communities and ensure that offenders are held fully accountable for their actions,” he said.
“The supply of illicit substances into remote communities has devastating impacts on the lives of people in vulnerable communities.”
Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities is urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Officers allegedly attacked after requesting group tip out alcohol
November 8: Two men have been arrested after allegedly punching and throwing a metal pole at two police officers, after they had been asked to tip out their alcohol.
Two Territory Safety Division officers were on exercise along the Nightcliff foreshore on Casuarina Drive when they noticed a group of people drinking alcohol and arguing about 2.40pm Wednesday.
The officers called for support in moving the group on as they were allegedly interfering with the public’s use of the area.
The officers identified themselves as police and requested the group tip their alcohol out.
However, the group allegedly became agitated and threatened the officers, suggesting one of them had scissors in their pocket.
One of the group allegedly punched an officer in the face, causing a large laceration, while the other allegedly pulled a metal pole out of the ground and threatened the officers with it.
A passing member of the public stopped her vehicle and allowed the injured officer to retreat into her car.
The offenders allegedly chased after the second officer and threw the metal police, which narrowly missed him.
A marked police vehicle with additional officers from the TSD arrived on the scene and the two men were arrested after a short foot chase.
The injured officer was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment for his injuries.
The two alleged offenders were charged with assault police, threats of injury to cause detriment, damage to property and engage in violent conduct.
They were further charged with being armed with an offensive weapon, nuisance public drinking, intentionally endangering safety on road and breaching bail.
Both men were remanded to appear in court on Thursday.
Territory Safety Division Acting Senior Sergeant Alexander Noonan said the incidents were “completely unacceptable”.
“It is completely unacceptable to assault police officers who are performing their duty in protecting the community, and these two offenders will face the court for their actions,” Snr Sgt Noonan said.
“Police would like to the thank the member of the public who put herself in harm’s way by intervening in the assault, assisting the officers involved, and reducing the risk of the officers coming to further harm.”
Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or anti-social behaviour to make contact on 131 444, or in an emergency to dial 000.
‘Post and boast’ charges laid after alleged attack, break-in
November 6, 12pm: A 19-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly attacked an older man and posted photos of the weapon and crime scene on social media.
Detective Superintendent Mark Grieve said the man’s 53-year-old victim suffered serious injuries after the alleged attack in his Moulden home on October 31.
Superintendent Grieve alleged the younger man posted photos on social media with the intention to “boast or glorify the offending”.
“This type of behaviour has no place in our community. Northern Territory Police take these matters seriously, and we urge the public to report any concerning behaviour, especially when it glorifies criminal conduct,” he said.
He said the man had been charged with acts intended to cause serious harm and publishing material related to offending conduct and would face the Darwin Local Court on Friday.
It comes as a 13-year-old boy was charged with similar “post and boast” offences after he allegedly broke into a Millner home and stole several items.
An NT Police spokesperson said the young teen allegedly broke into the property about 5pm Saturday.
The spokesperson said the victim later identified their belongings in a social media post and reported the incident to police.
They said police searched a nearby address, found one of the stolen items, and charged the boy with receiving stolen property and publishing material about offending conduct.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
It comes less than a month after the Territory’s new post and boast laws were passed in parliament.
Man found safe as police comb Palmerston crime scene
November 3, 2.30pm: Police have located a man who went missing in the wake of an early morning disturbance at Palmerston, the nature of which is yet to be publicly revealed, although it appeared to be a significant crime scene.
At 2.20pm Sunday, police said they no longer held welfare concerns for Palmerston man Clancy O’Sullivan, 38, as he had been located “safe and well by police a short time ago”.
Investigations into the Bailey Cct, Driver disturbance, which occurred about 5am, were “ongoing”, police added.
Police remained on scene until at least the late morning, with four units, including detectives and forensics, marking evidence and interviewing neighbours.
A residential driveway had been cordoned off, at the end of which multiple evidence markers had been placed.
‘Concerns for welfare’: Man missing after Palmerston disturbance
November 3, 11.30am: Police say they hold concerns for the welfare of a man reported missing in the wake of an early morning disturbance at suburban Palmerston.
In a statement, NT Police said Clancy O’Sullivan was last seen at Bailey Cct, Driver, about 5am Sunday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said police were concerned for the welfare of Mr O’Sullivan.
“Forensic officers are currently processing the scene of the reported disturbance,” he said.
“A number of detectives are currently investigating to attempt to locate him and are seeking assistance from the public.”
No details were released by police regarding the nature of the disturbance or how many people may have been involved.
At the crime scene, a residential driveway has been taped off, with a number of evidentiary markets laid out.
Four police units remained on-scene just before noon Sunday.
Police urged Mr O’Sullivan, or anyone with information about his whereabouts, to contact police urgently on 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
Crime Stoppers reports can be made anonymously.
More Coverage
Originally published as Firey’s respond to unit fire in on Mannikan Ct, Palmerston
‘Sovereign citizens’ allegedly helped mum kidnap little girl
The former CLP vice president has shared how a Darwin mum became involved with ‘crazy’, ‘sovereign citizens’ before an alleged kidnapping.
‘Happy-go-lucky’ Darwin man beaten to death by cousin
The family of a Darwin murder victim have shared their relief after the jury handed down its verdict: ‘We feel at ease now, that it’s all come to this, and it’s all over’.
Sports shorts: All the NT sport stories you may have missed
Each week the NT News sports team is highlighting the yarns from across the Territory and beyond you may have missed. Check out our Week 6 recap here.
Watch: Arrests made as 25-person brawl breaks out in Alice Springs CBD
A gloomy Tuesday afternoon in the Red Centre capital has been interrupted by another outbreak of violence, which police allege involved ‘a group of up to 25 people’. Read what we know.
Peek aboard the luxury cruise liner docked in Darwin for the first time
With prices from $550 a day to upwards of $4500, the ship offers nine dining options, a spa, gym, jogging track, casino, pool bar and library. SEE THE PICS.
Vote now: Search for NT’s best beauty specialist
Who is the Northern Territory’s glow-up go-to? It’s time to vote for NT’s best beauty specialist and celebrate the experts behind your radiant results.