Wadeye police officers allegedly attacked for second time in 24 hours

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy says there are not ‘sufficient measures in place’ to address alcohol-fuelled unrest in Wadeye, after multiple attacks on officers in 24 hours.

The Police station in Wadeye. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Update, January 10, 2.30pm: NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy says there are not “sufficient measures in place” to address alcohol-fuelled unrest in Wadeye, after multiple attacks on officers in 24 hours.

While on patrol local officers spotted a man allegedly throwing a blunt weapon at the front door of a home in the West Daly community.

The man allegedly attempted to throw the weapon at approaching police, and an officer used a taser to help make the arrest.

However, as police made the arrest a group of up to 30 people gathered and began throwing objects at the officers, with one damaging a nearby police vehicle.

A 53-year-old man, a community elder, advanced on the officers and allegedly forcefully shoved one to the ground causing police to withdraw.

He was later arrested without incident with charged are expected to follow.

The officers were not injured, and the 23-year-old alleged offender was taken to the Wadeye Health Clinic.

Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said there are not enough resources to combat the issue in Wadeye. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It followed a similar incident in the community on Wednesday night, as police were allegedly attacked while responding to a domestic violence call out.

In that event, an allegedly intoxicated 30-year-old woman resisted arrest and is alleged to have bitten an officer’s ankle multiple times, while rocks were thrown at the responding officers by a gathered crowd.

Commissioner Murphy said alcohol had been involved and was a contributor in both incidents against police officers.

“This incident marks the second attack on our officers in Wadeye in two days, following the appalling assault on officers responding to a domestic violence incident the night prior,” he said.

“These repeated attacks are utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Assaulting our officers is a serious crime, and those responsible will be held to account.

“As I have stated previously, alcohol-related harm remains a major enabler of violence and disorder within the community.”

He said he was “not satisfied that sufficient measures are in place to address this issue” and that additional policing resources would be deployed to the community.

NT Police were allegedly attacked twice in 24 hours in Wadeye. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“It is imperative that the community, along with stakeholders, take stronger action to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of their residents and our police,” he said.

“I have requested the Regional Commander attend Wadeye to support our officers and to stand up a whole of government task force for a combined focus on safety.

“I have spoken with the Northern Land Council Chair Matt Ryan, to activate some local leadership to address these ongoing issues and work together to restore calm in the community.”

The NT Police Association released a statement condemning incidents, and called on the courts to show the behaviour would not be tolerated.

“If justice is done, then the courts will give due regard to the fact that those officers were attacked for doing their job and will send a message to our police that the courts will do what is necessary to protect them,” the statement read.

“It is heartbreaking to see our police subjected to this level of continued and repeated violence for doing their job.

“Even more so in Wadeye, where a police presence is essential to protect law abiding citizens from the rampant level of violence and dysfunctional behaviour that has become commonplace.”

Officer’s ankle bitten, rocks thrown in boozy community chaos

January 9, 4.30pm: Rocks were thrown and an officer’s ankle was bitten multiple times during chaotic scenes in a remote Top End community, police allege.

Wadeye police on Wednesday night responded to a domestic violence incident at a home in the West Daly community, where they attempted to arrest a 30-year-old woman who was allegedly intoxicated.

She allegedly resisted arrest and began banging her head on the police vehicle, forcing members to pull her to the ground to prevent further self harm.

A 14-year-old woman then allegedly tackled one of the officers, causing him to fall on his back.

It was then the 30-year-old went for the man’s ankles, allegedly biting him multiple times.

A large crowd that had formed around the scene began throwing rocks at the officers, with one hitting a member on the back.

The officers used OC spray on the 30-year-old to prevent further assaults and arrested both women.

Both officers have since gone to Wadeye Clinic to receive treatment and were provided with tetanus shots.

Police officers allegedly attacked in Top End remote community. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The girl and woman remain in custody, with charges expected to follow.

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said officers “do not expect to be, nor should they be, attacked or assaulted, especially while keeping victims of domestic violence safe”.

“Assaulting a police officer is a serious crime, and there will be no tolerance for this behaviour.

“It is abundantly clear that alcohol continues to play a significant role in enabling harm within our communities.”

Commissioner Murphy acknowledged the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the incident.

“We will continue to advocate for stronger measures and leadership to address alcohol-related harm in Wadeye and protect our frontline officers and the communities they serve,” he said.

“A great deal of work will be required around reducing harm to the community before I endorse any licensing arrangement in Wadeye.”

Conditional approval for a licensed premises in Wadeye was recently granted by the Territory’s Liquor Commission but only if Mr Murphy and NT Health chief executive Chris Hosking were satisfied alcohol-related harm in the town had declined enough.

Originally published as Wadeye police officers allegedly attacked for second time in 24 hours