A 14-year-old boy has been speared in the back as tensions rise between family groups in a remote outback community, police say.

The spearing allegedly occurred in Ngukurr, one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory’s Roper Gulf region.

Ngukurr has a population of just over 1,000 people.

The community unrest started on Friday evening, with police receiving reports of a large disturbance between two family groups in the township.

‘A number of people were allegedly armed with weapons during the disturbance,’ police said in a statement.

No injuries were reported at the time.

More reports of disturbances involving weapons were received after tensions escalated on Saturday afternoon.

‘At around 5.35pm, police received a report that a 14-year-old boy had been speared in the middle of his back,’ police said.

A 14-year-old boy was speared in the back on Saturday following a dispute between families in Ngukurr, Northern Territory

Ngukurr is located in the Yugul Mangi Ward and is 331 kilometres south-east of Katherine on the Roper Highway

Officers went to the local health clinic where they spoke with the boy and his family. 

‘He was subsequently medically evacuated by CareFlight for further treatment and remains in a stable condition,’ police said.

Officers are working with local leaders and Elders in a bid to prevent further violence.