Police are investigating the cause of a structure fire in Tennant Creek

Crews battled through the night to battle a blaze that engulfed an entire Tennant Creek home. Read the latest.

Residential fire on Ambrose St in Tennant Creek on July 2, 2025. Picture: NTFRS

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Alice Springs and Central rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest news from Alice Springs right up to the Barkly.

July 3, 6.30am: Police are investigating a blaze fire crews battled throughout the night to contain in Tennant Creek on Thursday morning.

An NT Fire and Rescue Services (NTFRS) spokeswoman said they were first notified of the fire about 12.30am.

“NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) were called to a structure fire on Ambrose Street in Tennant Creek this morning at 12.30am,” she said.

“Upon arrival, crews found a property engulfed in flames and worked through the night to bring it under control and extinguish the blaze.

“No rescues were required and there have been no reported injuries.”

The entire building was engulfed in flames. Picture: NTFRS

Acting district officer of Southern command Jo-Anna Kenney praised the eight attending firefighters for containing the structure fire.

“I commend the response of our crews, and our auxiliaries and volunteers who worked through the night to extinguish the fire,” she said.

“The structure was located close to other buildings and the efficient response ensured the fire did not spread to the surrounding properties.”

The Territory’s ambulance service also confirmed there were no injuries.

“Three people were able to remove themselves from the fire,” St John NT Territory response manager Craig Garraway said.

“They suffered nil injuries.”

An NT Police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the cause of the fire.

Police searching for three stolen vehicles

July 3, 6.30am: NT Police are still attempting to locate three separate stolen cars in Alice Springs on Thursday morning.

A police spokesman said three burglaries in Larapinta, East Side and Sadadeen led to the theft of the three vehicles.

As it is the early stages of the investigation, police were unable to confirm further details such as the times of the theft or whether they believe the burglaries are connected.

The spokesman could not confirm the make and registration of the vehicles and asked Alice Springs residents to be on the lookout for the following cars with NT registration plates:

2078 – silver Holden Caprice

CF9270 – white Toyota HiLux

CG11CE – white Nissan X-trail

Alice Springs: 72-year-old man threatened with shovel in Braitling home, has tobacco stolen

July 2, 5pm: An elderly Alice Springs resident has had his tobacco stolen in terrifying home invasion, during which he was allegedly threatened with a shovel and an “edged weapon,” police say.

Police said the 72 year-old man was robbed in his Braitling home at about 9pm on Tuesday, allegedly by two male youths.

“The offenders were allegedly armed with an edged weapon and a shovel and demanded the 72-year-old male occupant hand over his keys and wallet. The offenders proceeded to search through the home and stole tobacco before fleeing,” police said.

The man was not injured, and police have not found the two youths suspected of the crime.

Strike Force Viper have carriage of the investigation, with shovel “seized for forensic investigation,” police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500066918.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers online or via 1800 333 000.

Teen arrested after cop car ramming

July 2, 4pm: Two teens are in custody after a cop car was rammed in the Red Centre capital – causing “substantial damage,” according to police.

NT police said the cop car was rammed by a stolen red Mahindra station wagon at about 6am on Tuesday, in an incident which could “have easily resulted in serious injury or death,” commander Mark Grieve said.

The cop car was rammed – allegedly by the stolen vehicle – after police attempted intercept the stolen vehicle, police said.

While no police officer was injured, the police car “sustained substantial damage,” police said.

Two teens, both aged 14, were arrested over the incident, police said.

One was arrested at the scene, allegedly having fled the stolen car prior to the ramming, police said, while the other was arrested Wednesday morning.

The stolen car was also recovered on Wednesday, according to police.

Police did not say if either of the boys had been charged over their alleged involvement in the car theft and the ramming.

“This incident highlights the dangers that our members face every day while responding to violent behaviour,” Commander Grieve said.

“It is appalling behaviour, and police do not deserve to be targeted while executing their duty of serving and protecting the community.

“I commend the officers for acting safely and professionally under challenging circumstances.”

‘At large’: Man on run after NT casino robbery

UPDATE: July 1, 1.30pm: NT Police have confirmed further details about the alleged break-in at Lasseters Casino on Tuesday morning.

Police confirmed the two men gained access to the building by smashing a rear door.

The man who was detained by security guards and arrested by police is 21 years old.

He is expected to be charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, and damage to property and will appear in court at a later date.

The second man “remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing”, a police spokesman said.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact 131 444 and quote reference P25175536.

Initial: July 1, 6.30am: NT Police say an person is still at large following a break-in at Lasseters Casino in Alice Springs early on Tuesday morning.

Southern Watch Commander Leigh Yates told this masthead two men had allegedly broke into a restaurant at the casino about 3am.

The two men took alcohol, with one man detained by security guards and later arrested by police, Commander Yates said.

The other man fled the scene and is still “at large”, according to Commander Yates.

No further details were given about the runaway man.

Female staffer allegedly assaulted during robbery in Alice Springs

UPDATE: June 30, 12pm: NT Police have confirmed further details about the three men who they allege assaulted a female staffer and stole alcohol from an Alice Springs business.

Police have confirmed the business is on Barrett Drive in Desert Springs, as well as the age of the three men and circumstances of their arrest.

“It is alleged that after gaining access to the building, one of the offenders smashed the glass door to a fridge and stole a quantity of alcohol while the other two waited outside,” an NT Police spokeswoman said.

“While attempting to leave, he was confronted by a female employee who he assaulted with a bottle of wine, striking her to the hand as she raised her arm to protect herself, causing minor injuries.”

“All three offenders fled the scene on foot and headed in the direction of the Todd River.

“Police responded and located the offenders aged 37, 41 and 41, consuming the stolen alcohol in the river and were arrested without incident.

“All three have since been charged in relation to the incident and were remanded in custody to appear in court today.”

June 30, 7am: A female worker was allegedly assaulted in an alleged daylight robbery in Alice Springs on Sunday morning.

Southern Watch Commander Leigh Yates said police were notified of the alleged robbery and assault about 10.10am.

He said three men allegedly broke into a Desert Springs business with one of the men smashing open a glass door to take alcohol.

When this man was confronted by a female staff member, he allegedly struck her with a bottle of wine on her hand, Commander Yates said.

Commander Yates said NT Police responded promptly and located the three men nearby the business, arresting all three with charges expected to be laid on Monday.

All three were known to police, but none were on bail, according to the Southern Watch Commander.

Originally published as Police are investigating the cause of a structure fire in Tennant Creek