Source : Perth Now news
A man has been rescued after seeking refuge in a house during a disturbance involving up to 150 people at a remote community.
Two police vehicles were damaged as officers retrieved the 33-year-old man who was facing “significant risk of harm” from a Wadeye residence in the Northern Territory, police said on Tuesday.
Police responded to reports of a large disturbance at the Indigenous community 395km southwest of Darwin about 6pm on Monday.
“A 33-year-old man, who had sought refuge in a residence fearing for his safety, was safely extracted by police and removed from the area,” a police statement said.
No officers or members of the public were injured.
However, smashed windscreens and windows were among the damage sustained by two vehicles during the operation, police said.
“Our officers entered a volatile situation to safely rescue a man who was believed to be at significant risk of harm,” Senior Sergeant Byron May said.
“Their actions ensured the victim was removed safely and that no injuries occurred.”
The damaged police vehicles would be out of service while they were being repaired.
“Police vehicles are critical frontline assets in remote communities,” Sen Sgt May said.
“When they are damaged and taken out of service, it impacts our ability to respond to emergencies, support victims, investigate crime and maintain community safety.”
Body worn footage has been reviewed as police look to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.
“Violence, payback behaviour and damage to emergency service resources have no place in our community,” Sen Sgt May said.
The community situation has since “stabilised” as officers work alongside local leaders and partner agencies to support ongoing safety, police said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
The unrest comes just weeks after police said they were “fed up” with ongoing violence in the community, charging 13 people with more than 50 offences.
Ten men and three women aged 19 to 45 were remanded in custody after a police crackdown in the community following a string of incidents.
