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Police charged after boys’ crash

Two Northern Territory police officers have been charged after five boys were injured in a car crash in Alice Springs.

A 12-year-old was allegedly driving a stolen utility vehicle when he lost control of it on a dirt road near Charles Creek about 2am on Friday.

It rolled and hit a tree, injuring the young driver and his four passengers, aged 10, 11, 13 and 15.

Police say the car had been stolen from an Alice Springs business and they had been following and attempting to engage the boys before the crash.

Police told AAP the officers did not use lights or sirens as they followed the boys, and it was not a pursuit.

But a spokeswoman wouldn’t clarify how the officers were trying to stop the car.

After an internal investigation, a 40-year-old constable was charged over the weekend with failing to rescue, failing to stop after a crash, and failing to render assistance.

Detectives from the Major Crime and the Professional Standards Command allege the constable committed serious breaches of discipline and criminal offences.

On Monday, police said a 20-year-old probationary constable had also been charged with making a false statutory declaration.

Both officers have been suspended from duty.

The probationary officer will appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court on May 16 and the constable will appear on June 5.

Police say the boys’ injuries included a broken leg and arm and were not life-threatening.

Police have yet to determine whether charges will be laid against the boys.

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