Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the youth curfew designed to tackle crime in Alice Springs - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Children in Alice Springs won't be allowed outside their homes at night for the next fortnight.

The Northern Territory Government has mandated an emergency curfew to curb escalating violence in the town.

Chaos descended on the region on Tuesday afternoon when a large group attacked the Todd Tavern, causing thousands of dollars worth of property damage.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says residents feel these extra measures were a long time coming.

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