Disturbing images emerge of at least four people injured following crossbow fight in Wadeye

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES. Stolen crossbows have reportedly been used in a shocking fight in the unsettled NT community of Wadeye.

CROSSBOWS stolen from a popular Darwin business have reportedly been used in a shocking fight in the unsettled remote community of Wadeye.

Mitchells Adventure was broken into on Monday in the second of two raids this month with the thieves stealing almost 20 crossbows and bows.

Those same weapons have reportedly resurfaced in images of a fight in Wadeye, a community that has faced rioting and unrest over the past few months.

Those images included two men pointing the weapons at each other and at least four people impaled by the bolts and arrows.

Image of a man impaled by an arrow following a recent skirmish in Wadeye.

Image of a man impaled by an arrow following a recent skirmish in Wadeye.

Image of a man impaled by an arrow following a recent skirmish in Wadeye.

Image of a man impaled by an arrow following a recent skirmish in Wadeye.

Speaking on Mix 104.9’s Katie Woolf, Mitchells Adventure’s manager Michael Mitchell said his store had done everything it could to secure the business.

“This is the second break-in in just under two weeks. Cases smashed, windows smashed. It’s so frustrating,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We do worry about it. When we do sell these bows you have to be over 18, young individuals are the problem here.

“We’re looking at getting more protection at the front of our building, but they just don’t care. The cost is just phenomenal and they will find a way of getting in.

“We’ve all had enough, you go to bed every night worrying your phone will ring and your business has been broken into.”

NT Police did not draw a direct relation between the stolen crossbows and those used in the community.

However, did reiterate a call for calm in the community with 13 arrests, six notices to appear issued and three youths diverted in the remote location since May 1.

“The situation in Wadeye is complex and police work tirelessly to support the community in remaining calm,” Superintendent Kirk Pennuto said.

“We currently have 17 arrest targets who are under investigation for riotous behaviour and we have seen intermittent use of weapons in these disturbances.

“Makeshift weapons along with crossbows have reportedly been used with a small number of individuals requiring treatment at the clinic for non-life-threatening injuries over the past two months.

“These disturbances will only be solved if family groups, elders, Traditional Owners and government agencies come together in order to discuss and implement solutions.”

Member for Karama Ngaree Ah Kit said the government was working hard to come to a conclusion on the unrest.

“Wadeye is a really challenging situation, it is one of our largest communities,” Ms Ah Kit said.

“The devastation, the trauma and the violence that was happening out there is absolutely inexcusable.

“As someone with an urban seat I’ve really experienced people escaping the violence out there and coming into my electorate

“I know my government is working extremely hard with people on the ground.

“We work like to learn as many lessons out of this to make sure people are held to account but more importantly so the community is made safe going forward.”

Originally published as Disturbing images emerge of at least four people injured following crossbow fight in Wadeye