The recent rash of police assaults throughout the Territory continued Thursday as three NT Police officers were assaulted in the last two days, bringing the total in less than two weeks to 12 officers.

The first of the latest three incidents occurred on Tuesday night when a police auxiliary licensing inspector was pushed after intervening in a domestic dispute at a bar in Katherine.

The second incident occurred around midnight Tuesday in an unnamed Barkly community where a 35-year-old woman who was arrested for breaching bail allegedly spit on an officer and health staff.

In the latest incident, a female police officer was assaulted while apprehending five youths, aged between 14 and 16, for alleged vehicle theft. The vehicle was found abandoned in Tennant Creek around 6:00 pm after being reported stolen early yesterday morning.

During the arrest a short time later, a 14-year-old male allegedly spat on the officer’s forehead. She attended to hospital but returned to duty shortly after, police said.

The teen was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was bailed to appear in court today.

The other four youths were released under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act, police said with one of them allegedly being involved in the theft of a Suzuki Swift later the same night.

He was identified through CCTV footage.

The 15-year-old was arrested again this morning and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

“Spitting on anyone is a disgusting act that will not be tolerated,” acting Commander Kirsten Engels said.

The NT Police has expressed concern over rising assaults on officers who were only attending calls for police assistance but are being met by aggressive people.

The police said those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.