A stolen ute was allegedly driven through house fences, performed burnouts and forced pedestrians to flee its path in Wadeye before colliding with a police vehicle, causing minor injuries to the officers inside, and crashing into the police station compound fence, NT Police said.

Wadeye Police officer in charge Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Seiler said police were looking for witnesses to the incident, which began at 4pm Wednesday when police received reports of an aggravated robbery in the community.

“It is alleged two adult males stopped a white Toyota Hilux by standing in front of it as it travelled along the road. The offenders allegedly threatened the driver, took the keys from the ignition, forcibly removed the driver from the vehicle and stole the Hilux,” A/Sen Sgt Seiler said.

“The Hilux allegedly drove dangerously at speed throughout the community, including driving through fences of residential premises, causing property damage, performing burnouts and forcing pedestrians to flee from its path. No injuries were reported to police.”

“During the incident, the Hilux allegedly drove directly towards an unmarked police vehicle, forcing officers to take evasive action before it collided with the rear bumper and tyre of the police vehicle.

“The offenders attempted to flee the scene but lost control, resulting in the Hilux crashing into the police station fence and causing minor damage.”

A/Sen Sgt Seiler said the person the ute was stolen from was not injured.

He said a 27-year-old man and a 41-year-old man who were in the stolen ute were uninjured and arrested at the scene as they attempted to flee. They remain in custody, with police expecting to charge them with aggravated robbery, recklessly endangering life, acts intended to cause serious harm, criminal damage and resisting police.

“This was dangerous, reckless, and completely unacceptable behaviour,” A/Sen Sgt Seiler said.

“It is pure luck that no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of the actions of these offenders. Once again, police have been targeted while performing their duty to serve and protect the community, and I am thankful the members involved were not seriously hurt.”

Since the death of a 58-year-old community member on August 1, Wadeye has experienced months of reported violence involving large groups armed with crossbows, spears, axes and other weapons, with homes attacked, vehicles torched, residents seriously injured and police targeted.

Thirteen people were arrested and remanded in September over more than 50 alleged offences, but further violent clashes continued this month, prompting renewed police reinforcements and warnings from community elders that more people could be killed

A/Sen Sgt Seiler asked witnesses to go to their local police station or call 131 444.