More cars torched in remote community unrest

More cars have been set on fire amid ongoing unrest in a remote country town as police try to ease tensions with the help of community leaders.

Northern Territory Police said a “hostile conflict” broke out in Wadeye just after midnight on Thursday between large groups, some armed with sharp weapons.

No injuries were reported, but officers observed three separate vehicle fires.

Similar disturbances occurred in the Indigenous community 395 km southwest of Darwin last week.

Police said three vehicles were set on fire last week and officers used pepper spray after a crowd of about 100 people refused to comply with orders to disperse.

No serious injuries were reported, but two people were arrested and several weapons were seized.

This incident occurred after a man was shot in the arm with a crossbow during a brawl the previous day.

Police are meeting with community leaders to ease tensions in the town.

The Wadeye fights follow recent unrest in the remote Arnhem communities of Maningrida and Ramingining.

Police said clashes in Maningrida in early January were motivated by social media posts and reprisals and involved more than 200 people, some armed with sharp weapons.

Officers arrested 10 people, including a 31-year-old driver who was charged with recklessly endangering life after speeding through the community before crashing.

Just before Christmas, fights involving up to 40 people broke out in Ramingining; Several people were injured and one person was charged with aggravated assault.