A pregnant woman and her two-year-old child were allegedly assaulted at an Alice Springs football game on Sunday afternoon, NT Police said, after a group of women attending the match started fighting, leading to a “large disturbance” that saw another woman suffer head injuries from an “edged weapon”.

The mayhem in the crowd led to the game being cancelled, police said.

“It is deeply concerning that violence of this nature occurred at a football match attended by families, children and community members,” Acting Commander Robert Griffiths said in a statement Sunday evening.

“I would like to commend the work of security personnel and AFL NT officials, who worked alongside police to ensure the safety of players and spectators who were not involved in the disturbance.

“While it is disappointing that the remainder of the match was cancelled, the swift action and support of the organising body to prioritise community safety helped alleviate immediate tensions.”

The violence was allegedly instigated by a group of women at the game, some of whom are known to police.

Police said a 27-year-old woman suffered injuries to her head believed to have been caused by an “edged weapon”, while another 27-year-old woman was “allegedly assaulted and transported to hospital for treatment”.

The pregnant woman assaulted was 22-years-old, police said, and was assaulted by a group while holding her two-year-old child, “who was also assaulted during the incident”.

The condition of the victims was not disclosed Sunday night.

Cmdr Griffiths said police are continuing their investigation into the incident and “have identified a number of persons of interest who are known to police”.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444,” he said.