A MOTHER used her one-year-old baby as a weapon during a shocking street fight in Alice Springs.

The child has been hospitalised and placed under the care of the NT Department of Children and Families. The mother is under arrest and assisting police with inquiries.

It is understood the baby was grabbed by the ankles and swung at a man during the brawl on Smith St, Alice Springs, about 9.45am ­yesterday.

The distressing example of family violence comes amid efforts to highlight the extent of the problem in the NT.

NT Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and said the baby was not believed to be suffering serious injuries.

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There are unconfirmed reports the baby was also dropped on to the ground during the incident.

Kidsafe NT chief executive Victoria Pollifrone described the alleged incident yesterday as “terribly sad and ­distressing”.

“It’s not just the physical injury to the baby but the emotional and mental,” Ms Pollifrone said.

“It’s very important not to judge people placed in situations where stress levels are so high they do irrational things to vulnerable children.

“Women who are victims of domestic violence should seek help from relevant support agencies long before it reaches such a crisis point.”