A 14-year-old girl was tasered by police in the Darwin CBD Tuesday afternoon after she allegedly stabbed a police officer with a kitchen knife, injuring his upper arm and chest, NT Police said.

Two other teens, including a 13-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy, were also arrested as part of the disturbance that started just before 4:30pm.

Police said in a statement Wednesday morning that the 14-year-old girl first allegedly assaulted a security guard and damaged items inside a Smith Street shopping centre.

Police CCTV operators tracked the girl to Cavanagh Street, where she was located with the boy and other girl.

“As officers approached the group, the boy allegedly pushed past them and fled,” the police statement said.

“The 14-year-old girl allegedly produced a kitchen knife and struck an officer, causing injuries to his upper arm and chest.

“A taser was deployed, and the 14-year-old girl was arrested at the scene.”

The injured officer was assessed by St John Ambulance and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said, but said later Wednesday he had returned to hospital for surgery.

“This was a serious incident, and I’m relieved the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening,” Police Commissioner Martin Dole said.

“Police officers should be able to respond to calls for help without being attacked. No one should have to face violence at work, whether they are a police officer, a security guard or anyone else.”

Police said Strike Force Trident was investigating the incident.

Charges laid Wednesday afternoon

Police provided an update on Wednesday afternoon to say that all three youths have been charged in relation to the incident.

The 14-year-old girl has been charged with intending to cause serious harm; possessing, carrying or using a controlled weapon; assaulting police and causing harm; resisting police; hindering police; and assaulting a worker causing harm.

The 16-year-old boy was charged with breaching bail; resisting arrest; and hindering police.

The 13-year-old was charged with assaulting a worker causing harm; making threats; going armed in public; and possessing, carrying or using a controlled weapon.

All three were scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court Wednesday afternoon.

Further charges could be laid in relation to allegations the same group harassed other businesses in the CBD earlier on Tuesday, police said.

Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the incident “and has not yet spoken to police” to call them on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2600092013.