Fed: Navy sailor arrested in New Caledonia over alleged assault

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2006
Fed: Navy sailor arrested in New Caledonia over alleged assault

SYDNEY, Dec 10 AAP - An Royal Australian Navy sailor has been arrested in New Caledonia
over an alleged assault.

Authorities in the Pacific nation's capital, Noumea, arrested a member of HMAS Melville's
crew in the early hours of yesterday morning, the Defence Department said.

The sailor is alleged to have been involved in an assault but no charges have been laid so far.

An officer from HMAS Melville has visited Noumea police headquarters to find out more
details about the allegations and is assisting the authorities.

The Australian Consulate-General in Noumea has also visited the serviceman and is providing
consular assistance.

A Defence Department spokeswoman said: "As the matter is under investigation by the
Noumea police, and for reasons of the individual's privacy, it would be inappropriate
to make any further comment at this time."

HMAS Melville is en route to a site off Fiji to search for the wreckage of the Australian
Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the sea on November 29, claiming two lives.

AAP smm/arb

KEYWORD: SAILOR

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