The Coffee Club in Katherine was ransacked overnight by a group of offenders in a stolen Toyota Hilux from the showgrounds, NT Police said, but police media did not report that the intruders reportedly returned to the cafe around 7:15am this morning, where they allegedly attacked staff, the owner and customers, with one staff member reportedly sent to hospital.

Police said the incidents began when they received reports of a silver Toyota Hilux being stolen from the showgrounds around 10:30pm Tuesday night while the owner was unloading items from the back of the ute.

The vehicle was seen on Murray Street a short time later, where a police pursuit was commenced but later terminated for safety reasons.

Around midnight, police received reports that the Coffee Club was being broken into, where “a number of offenders” stole various items before fleeing in the stolen Toyota Hilux.

Another police pursuit was undertaken on Chambers Drive shortly after the break-in, however that was also terminated due to safety reasons.

CCTV operators later spotted the vehicle travelling north over the Katherine High Level bridge at around 4:55am, when all units coordinated an apprehension plan involving tyre deflation devices which were deployed on the bridge around 5:10am.

The stolen ute was recovered on Riverbank Drive and one 23-year-old female was arrested exiting the vehicle, police said in a statement.

But police media did not report in its statement that some of the alleged offenders who remain outstanding reportedly returned to the Coffee Club around 7:15am, where they allegedly attacked staff and the owner, according to Action For Alice Facebook crime page.

The page reported that a witness stated one staff member was hospitalised after the confrontation, with others also being assaulted when they stepped in to help.

NT Police were contacted for comment about why they did not include the assault in their press release and the details around the morning assaults.

The 23-year-old female was charged with driving a motor vehicle without consent and bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on August 28. The offenders remain at large, while the police have pledged to increase their presence ahead of the show weekend.

“With the significant influx of people in Katherine this weekend for the show, we’ve increased our local police presence to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all,” Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said in the statement.

“Our officers will have a visible presence at the showgrounds and around licensed venues in the CBD to support a fun and secure environment for both locals and visitors alike.”

Police are asking for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them on 131 444, referencing job number P25189674.

Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.