Armed men bash George Crescent residents – UPDATE

By ERWIN CHLANDA
 
Four men were injured, one seriously, according to one of the victims, when they were attacked last night by five or six men in their 20s described by as being of Aboriginal appearance.
 
The attackers invaded a commercial premises, used as a dwelling, in George Crescent after 2am today. Police describe the attack as an alleged aggravated assault and robbery.
 
One of the victims, Alex Harris (pictured), says the attackers were armed with a stick, a home-made nulla nulla, half a cricket bat, a metal pole and a screwdriver.
 
“They were asking us for drugs and money,” says Mr Harris. He said there were no drugs and the attackers “got my last $20”.
 
One of the victims suffered a broken arm and head wounds. Another had teeth smashed in.
 
One ran from the premises and was pursued by the attackers.
 
None of the victims had resisted and all four were taken to hospital.
 
Police says the alleged attackers were “four unknown males” and had fled the scene with the victims’ phones and wallets.
 
PHOTO: A police officer and a neighbor at the crime scene.
 
UPDATE 4pm:
 
Superintendent Travis Wurst says the suspects are of indigenous appearance, between 170 and 180 cm tall, and all in their early twenties. Police interviews of the victims are continuing.
 
UPDATE 2:30pm August 26 – police release

 
Police have charged a 21-year-old male following an aggravated robbery that occurred in George Crescent, Alice Springs yesterday morning.
 
Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Malley from the Southern Tactical Investigation Squad said the man was arrested at his residence yesterday afternoon.
 
“He was charged with aggravated robbery, unlawful entry, armed with an offensive weapon at night and cause serious harm (x2). He will appear in Alice Springs Magistrates Court today.
 
“Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the other three outstanding offenders.”