A brutal home invasion in Alice Springs has left a 2-month-old baby fighting for life after being attacked with an iron bar.
The shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with police and locals reeling from the sheer brutality of the attack.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
On Wednesday afternoon, a woman was at home with her four children when two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, forced their way into her house. The mother was holding her 2-month-old baby when the perpetrators entered, threatening her with a weapon. One of the teenagers struck out at her, hitting both the mother and the child. The baby suffered serious head injuries and has been flown to Adelaide for emergency treatment.
Police and Community in Shock
NT Police Detective Superintendent Paul Lawson expressed his outrage and shock at the incident, saying, “This is an absolutely shocking incident… The community is in shock, the first responders are shocked, this has got to stop.” The police have arrested the two teenagers, who continued to rob the house after the attack, stealing a purse and keys before fleeing.
A Town on Edge
The latest incident comes amid a surge in violent crimes in Alice Springs, with a 29-year-old woman allegedly raped during a home invasion earlier this week. The escalating violence has sparked concerns about racial division in the town, with Federal Labor MP Marion Scrymgour warning that non-Indigenous women are being deliberately targeted.
Government Responds to Crisis
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Police Commissioner Michael Murphy have flown to Alice Springs to respond to the crisis. Ms. Finocchiaro expressed her gratitude to the police and first responders for their bravery and action in the face of unrelenting crime, saying, “We stand with the people of Alice Springs.”
A Community in Crisis
As the people of Alice Springs grapple with the fallout of these horrific incidents, one thing is clear: something needs to change. The violence must stop, and the community needs support and protection. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they navigate these difficult times.