Search for syringe attackers

THREE youths armed with a syringe allegedly attacked and robbed a man in a suburban shopping centre.

Police said the syringe was believed to have been filled with blood.

The victim, a 42-year-old man from Tiwi, was jabbed with the syringe in the upper arm and cheek in the ordeal.

He was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital and will require ongoing tests and treatment.

The youths, all of Aboriginal appearance - two on foot and one on a pushbike - allegedly attacked and threatened the man as he left Casuarina Square at 4.30pm on Thursday.

The man, a Charles Darwin University student, was leaving via the exit near the McDonalds drive-through.

Police said he allegedly received a heavy knock to the back, knocking his wallet from his hand, as he walked past the Coles loading dock headed towards the Shell service station.

The three youths fled the scene towards Trower Rd.

Police have released a comfit (above) (sic), believed to be a 90 per cent likeness, of one of the offenders, who is alleged to have used the syringe.

He is of part-Aboriginal appearance, about 20-years-old, 182cm tall, with dark curly hair. He was wearing a silky purple basketball-type shirt and matching baseball cap.

A second offender, alleged to have taken the wallet, is about 17, with curly hair and sores and boils on his legs.

He was wearing a white cap - or headband - with a shiny fluorescent green shirt and dark cargo shorts.

The third offender, who was riding a chrome BMX bike, was about 16-years-old, with straight greasy hair and a "bottle-shaped" body.

Anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who may recognise the man in the comfit is urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sat, 22 April 2006
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Rebekah Cavanagh
Copyright: 2006 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au/