Three men have been taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious injuries sustained during public unrest in the remote community of Angurugu that has seen family groups at war all week with spears, crossbows and machetes, NT Police said.

Police said the public fighting broke out on July 31, involving different family groups of up to 150 people.

The three men taken to hospital had suffered lacerations from weapons used during the fighting, but police said all are currently in a stable condition.

“Alyangula Police and local Peace Makers have been working tirelessly within the region to mediate calm and additional resourcing has been deployed to support these local efforts,” Commander Kylie Anderson said in a statement.

Cmdr Anderson said fighting in the community has “since calmed” and that Major Crime would be investigating the injuries that resulted from the fighting.

“Meetings with Traditional Owners, Elders and family groups are occurring to reinforce to all that violence towards others is simply not acceptable and to bring an end to the current issues,” she said.

“The safety of the community and our members will always be our priority.”