Crossbows and spears: Carpentaria families’ feud puts three in hospital
A seemingly idyllic gem in a sapphire sea, Groote Eylandt has been riven by feuds and bloodshed. Phtoto: AAP
Three men have been hospitalised after feuding families clashed on a remote Northern Territory island using spears, machetes and crossbows.
Up to 150 people were involved in the violent outbreak which began on Monday and spanned several days on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
More than 60 per cent of the island’s residents are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and NT police say they are talking to local leaders to address the situation.
“We’re working very closely with the senior elders of the community to make sure that we can restore calm,” NT Police Acting Commissioner Michael White said.
Extra police have been sent to the island.
Investigations are ongoing into how the fighting began, though police believe it could be a result of family disagreements.
“Like other communities, sometimes things occur between family groups,” Mr White said.
Fighting has not resumed and the injured men are in a stable condition at Royal Darwin Hospital.
-AAP
