A large group of males armed with various weapons were discovered concealing themselves in bushland Sunday afternoon as they approached the community of Wadeye, NT Police said, with the group allegedly attacking officers with rocks, window louvres and at one point an arrow was allegedly shot at police when officers attempted to disperse them.

Police said the group of males was encountered around 5:30pm Sunday and reportedly ignored warnings “that force may be used” if the group continued to advance.

“The group continued to move towards police while armed and throwing projectiles, requiring police to deploy tactical options to disperse the crowd and prevent them from advancing further towards residential properties,” Superintendent Virginia Read said in a statement.

“During the incident, a person armed with a compound bow allegedly fired an arrow at police, striking a police vehicle. Police vehicles were also struck by rocks, window louvres and metal bars, causing damage.

“Further tactical options were deployed and the group eventually dispersed and retreated from the area.”

Supt Read added that police established a cordon of the area and searched for “further threats and any potential victims before conducting additional patrols throughout Wadeye”.

Police said tensions in the community have been stoked in recent weeks, with the incident involving the group of males following an earlier disturbance that has seen “ongoing unrest and violent behaviour” in the remote community.

“Additional police resources remain deployed in Wadeye, with general duties and Territory Safety Division members continuing high-visibility patrols and engagement within the community,” Supt Read said.

She added the attack on police was “an appalling display of violence”.

“There is absolutely no justification for this behaviour. Our officers are in Wadeye to protect the community and prevent further violence, and they should not be subjected to deliberate and potentially deadly attacks while carrying out that duty,” Supt Read said.

“The fact that people continued to advance on police despite repeated directions to disperse demonstrates an alarming disregard for the safety of police, residents and the wider community.”

Supt Read said officers will continue to work with community leaders and residents to “restore calm”, adding “those responsible for criminal behaviour will be identified, investigated and held to account”.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.