UPDATE: KALGOORLIE community members have gathered in the bushland area where Kalgoorlie teenager Elijah Doughty’s body was found to pay their respects.

About 100 people attended the peaceful vigil on Tuesday night for 14-year-old Elijah, whose body was found by Police near a motorbike in bushland in Boulder on Monday morning.

Candles and private bonfires were lit as community members put their differences aside to mourn the boy described by his aunty as “a very happy-go-lucky kid”.

The calm vigil came after violent protests erupted outside the courthouse over the boy’s death, which many community members believe was racially motivated.

Camera Icon Vigil and tribute for a 14-year-old Aboriginal boy found deceased in bushland in Boulder. Credit: Supplied, Bohdan Warchomij

The boy’s grandfather told Nine News a mixture of anger and sadness, plus threats and abuse over social media caused the riots on Tuesday.

He is calling for restraint from both the police and community.

“They’ve got kids too, they want their kids protected and who’s going to protect them,” he said.

Alcohol sales have been banned in Kalgoorlie in a bid to ease tensions.

WA Police have imposed the temporary ban on takeaways, but people will still be able to buy alcohol on-site and in pubs and restaurants.

The measure comes after a man accused of the manslaughter of the boy was remanded into custody to reappear at Perth’s Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday via video link.

Camera Icon Community members ar the vigil for a 14-year-old Aboriginal boy, held at the site where his body was found. Credit: Supplied, Bohdan Warchomij

It’s understood the 55-year-old man, whose name has been suppressed, did not appear at Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to the teen’s death and that his lawyer requested the matter be remanded until Wednesday.

A WA police spokesman said as the courthouse riot was believed to be partly alcohol-fuelled, police decided to impose liquor restrictions to “mitigate the risk” of any further escalations.

Police will reassess the restrictions on Wednesday.

A boosted police presence will be patrolling Kalgoorlie streets overnight, with reinforcements sent to the city and local officers working extra shifts.

Camera Icon Protesters take to the streets of Kalgoorlie after violence erupted at the magistrates court over the death of a 14-year-old boy. Credit: Supplied, Channel Nine/Twitter

The Kalgoorlie courthouse was in lockdown for several hours on Tuesday after protests outside turned violent.

Local police in full riot gear were forcing protesters back with batons and pepper spray after an officer was struck in the face.

The courthouse was badly damaged after protesters pelted it with rocks and hearings at the court were disrupted.

Acting Commander Darryl Gaunt said the Kalgoorlie community were entitled to grieve for the loss of the 14-year-old.

“They are entitled to grieve, they’re entitled to be upset,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

“What they’re not entitled to do is what they did today.

“That is criminal behaviour, its not grieving. We don’t accept terrifying court staff and members of the community.

“The courthouse is not the place to take out these actions, it's a place for justice to be dealt with.”

Camera Icon Acting Commander Darryl Gaunt said the community was entitled to grieve but not entitled to criminal behaviour. Credit: News Corp Australia, Bohdan Warchomij

Acting Commander Gaunt said members of the 14-year-old boy’s family were supportive of police.

“The victim’s family has supported our decision making and they’ve supported our actions today...they were trying to move the mob on and speak to them and calm them down,” he said, adding that several officers had sustained cuts and abrasions.

One officer needed stitches.

Acting Commander Gaunt said police were standing by the decision to charge the 55-year-old man with manslaughter.

“Many members of the indigenous community wanted to see him charged with a higher offence,” he said.

“The reality is the evidence does not support that.”

Dramatic video on social media from reporters outside the courthouse showed windows have been smashed and hundreds of people remonstrating with police.

At least one police officer was bleeding from the face after being hit with a bottle. He has been treated by paramedics for a gash under his eye.

Seven News reporter Monique Dirkz, who is outside the courthouse, said police had donned riot gear and were spraying the crowd with pepper spray.

“The riot squad are here, they are pepper spraying people, they’ve got their shields up,” Ms Dirkz told 6PR.

“They are pushing the crowd back with their batons drawn.

“They are being pelted with bottles and anyone who gets close is being pepper sprayed. This crowd is so riled up at the moment.”

By about midday, the crowd behaviour had begun to ease and riot police have managed to push the crowd back to about 500m from the court.

Vision showed glass panels at the courthouse have been smashed after protesters pelted the building with rocks and bottles.

Reports include protesters pulling up bricks from the footpath and using them as weapons.

Another video shows police officers locking the doors of the courthouse from the inside as items are hurled at the windows.

KALGOORLIE PROTEST TURN UGLY

In a statement released this afternoon police said 12 officers had been injured after about 200 people descended on the courthouse.

“A large number of people became disruptive and aggressive, throwing rocks and bottles at police...and court windows,” the statement said.

“Approximately 12 officers were injured in the incident with one requiring medical treatment. Five police cars were damaged.

“Several people have been taken into custody in relation to assault police and disorderly offences.

“Members of the public have a right to protest, however, we encourage them to do so peacefully, or they may be arrested.

“Officers will maintain a strong visible presence in the community and will take action against those identified as breaking the law. Aboriginal Leaders are working closely with WA Police.”

Kalgoorlie deputy mayor Allan Pendal told PerthNow he was fully aware of what was going on at the courthouse.

“We are asking for people to remain calm,” he said.

“There is certainly not going to be anything gained from taking any vigilante action so we would just support the police and ask for calm.

“Its unfortunate that these people have elected to react that way ... this is not the way to react.”

COURT HEARINGS DISRUPTED

In a statement released on Tuesday morning a court spokeswoman said cases inside the court building would be heard as soon as possible today.

“Following a disturbance outside the Kalgoorlie Court House in Brookman Road this morning measures have been put in place to ensure that all staff and court users in the building at the time of the incident are safe and secure,” the statement read.

“There has been some disruption to court proceedings.

“The magistrate’s court hopes to resume its caseload as soon as possible today.

“The District Court trial in the building has been postponed until tomorrow.

“A full inquiry will be held into the circumstances of this morning’s disturbance.”

Camera Icon Damage to a police car after protests got out of hand in Kalgoorlie. Credit: Supplied, ABC Goldfields WA.

Goldfields-Esperance Police took to social media to reassure the public they were doing all they can to calm the situation and appealed to protesters to do so peacefully.

“We understand there is significant community concern over events in the Goldfields during the past 24 hours,” the post read. “Footage of damage to areas of Kalgoorlie court and surrounds has been broadcast and police are currently responding to a protest in the city.

“The investigation into the teenager’s death is ongoing, a 55-year-old man has been charged and this matter is now before the courts.

“Members of the public have a right to protest, however, we encourage them to do so peacefully, or they may be arrested.

“Officers will maintain a strong visible presence in the community and will take action against those identified as breaking the law. Aboriginal leaders are working closely with WA Police which appreciates their continued co-operation and assistance.”

POLITICIAN SPEAKS OUT

Nationals Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Dave Grills took to social media to speak out about the Kalgoorlie teen’s death stating in a Facebook post that he was “deeply saddened that a young man has lost his life in Kalgoorlie-Boulder” but angered by the violence which has erupted.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. However, I am angry that on the back of this terrible tragedy some people believe it is their right to act in an unlawful manner and engage in violence,” he wrote on Tuesday.

“This behaviour helps no one. It does not promote justice or community cohesion and will not bring this young man back to his loved ones.

“This unlawful and violent behaviour has placed everyone’s wellbeing at risk, caused thousands of dollars of damage and only inflamed community tensions.

“I have seen the footage of police officers doing the job they are bound to do attacked and injured.

“Police vehicles being damaged, property smashed, innocent people put at risk. Who gave this violent element the right to commit such mayhem in this young man’s name? I trust that those who participated in this unlawful behaviour will be held accountable.”

Mr Grills wrote “this terrible situation has arisen because people from all sides have failed to listen to the groundswell, failed to be accountable leaders, failed to acknowledge or understand social trends, failed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children and failed to take personal responsibility when needed”.

“I would like to thank every member of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community who marked this young man’s passing with dignity and respect.”

Camera Icon Protesters outside the Kalgoorlie courthouse. Credit: Supplied, ABC Goldfields WA.

TEEN’S BODY FOUND IN BOULDER

WA Police said they received a report of a dead body in an area of bushland near the corner of Clancy Street and Ivanhoe Street in Boulder about 9am on Monday.

When officers arrived they found a 14-year-old youth deceased.

A motorcycle, which police said had been reported stolen on Sunday, August 28, was also found at the scene.

Police said a Nissan Navara utility, which was also involved in the incident, is linked to the owner of the stolen motorcycle.

Tensions had flared in the town between the Aboriginal community and police over the boy’s death as many people in Kalgoorlie believe the incident was racially motivated.

The boy’s aunt told the Kalgoorlie Miner his death was the third in the family in the past few weeks.

She described her nephew as a “bit of a prankster” but respectful of his elders and looked after his younger sisters.

“He survived all circumstances he found himself in and was a beautiful brother to the sisters he protected,” the aunt told The Mine.

“He was a very happy-go-lucky kid; he was never a bad kid.

“He was always someone who lifted other people’s spirits whenever times were hard.

“He was not a straight-A student but his circumstances were hard, he struggled at school but he had other issues to prioritise.”

Kalgoorlie woman Patricia Gerardi told Nine News: “It’s brought all the community, the indigenous mob, together. It’s hit us big time, there was no need.”