WADEYE, Australia — Northern Territory Police are investigating a serious assault after a 28-year-old man was allegedly struck in the chest by an arrow in the remote community of Wadeye early Thursday morning.

Police said they received a report shortly before 4 a.m. on September 10 after the injured man arrived at the Wadeye Health Clinic with an arrow wound to his chest. The circumstances surrounding the incident are now being investigated by detectives.

According to the initial police account, the man had been walking along a dirt track near the community’s main oval when a vehicle reportedly stopped nearby. A male allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired an arrow at the victim before leaving the area.

The injured man suffered a suspected punctured lung as a result of the attack. Police said he was in a stable condition and was scheduled to be medically evacuated to Royal Darwin Hospital for further medical treatment.

Northern Territory Police have identified persons of interest as part of their investigation. Detectives from the Northern Investigations Section are travelling to Wadeye to continue inquiries and establish what led to the alleged attack.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive or identified any person as responsible for the assault. The investigation remains active, and the allegations have not been tested in court.

The incident has drawn attention because of the unusual nature of the alleged weapon and the serious injury suffered by the victim. Police are now working to establish the sequence of events before and after the attack, including the movements of the vehicle and the identity of the person who allegedly fired the arrow.

Investigators are also appealing for information that could help clarify what happened. Members of the public who witnessed the incident or have information relevant to the investigation are being encouraged to contact police.

Police have provided reference number P26257355 for information relating to the case. Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation is continuing, and further information may be released as detectives establish the circumstances surrounding the serious assault.