A 16-year-old girl has died in suspicious circumstances in the remote Northern Territory community of Alpurrurulam, after an alleged assault, while a 26-year-old man believed to have been her partner has been arrested.
The teenager attended a local clinic in the early hours of Monday with multiple injuries, Northern Territory Police said. She suffered a cardiac arrest and died at about 5.30am, according to information provided to police by the clinic.
Police said the man remained in custody as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the death.
Investigation under way in Alpurrurulam
Acting Commander Mark Grieve said the girl mainly lived in Queensland, near Mount Isa, but regularly travelled between the two areas. Queensland Police are assisting with the investigation.
“We’ve got two detectives that flew up from Alice Springs along with two forensics personnel. We’ve got an investigator from Tennant Creek as well, along with two additional uniform members from Tennant Creek,” Mr Grieve said.
Police from Camooweal and Avon Downs were also at the scene, while further Major Crime officers were being flown into the community.
Mr Grieve said the additional resources had been deployed for both investigative work and community safety, amid concerns that unrest could escalate.
Chansey Paech, the Northern Territory MP, said the death highlighted the need for greater support and resources in remote communities.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear reports this morning of a tragic loss of life in Alpurrurulam, a community that has been desperately calling out for more help, resources and support in recent months,” he said.
Mr Paech called for urgent action on policing, community safety and the supply of alcohol in remote areas, asking where additional interim police resources and peacekeepers were.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P26290651.
