Northern Territory police say they have arrested the instigators of a riot involving warring families that saw about 60 people arm themselves with spears and machetes.
Tension between the families erupted yesterday at the Willowra community, 320km north of Alice Springs.
Police said two men, aged 20 and 32, were believed to be the main instigators of the unrest.
They are also accused of acting in a threatening manner towards police and community members and were arrested this afternoon on outstanding warrants.
Police said five officers from nearby communities were called to a disturbance outside a residence at Willowra that involved two groups and up to 60 people armed with machetes and spears.
They broke up a number of small fights and dispersed the crowd, restoring calm to the community by midday.
Some members of the community sustained minor injuries and were treated at the local health clinic.
The 20-year-old was today charged with two counts of assaulting police, taking part in a riot, and going armed with an offensive weapon.
The 32-year-old was charged with aggravated assault, taking part in a riot and going armed in public.
Police said investigations were continuing and they expected a number of other people would face weapons charges.
Officers were aware of the tension between the two families and had organised a meeting with community members, Aboriginal Community Police Officers and local police.
They said it would go ahead as planned tomorrow.
"(It) aims to provide a forum to address community concerns and bridge a working relationship between members of the community," police said in a statement.
