Cops 'flea' police station

Police have been forced to clear out of the main city station after a prisoner caused a flea infestation.

The Northern Territory News understands a suspect was brought into custody at Darwin city watchhouse - on Knuckey St - early last week "with a horde of unwanted guests".

A source said the flea-ridden suspect caused an infestation in a police van and the watchhouse.

Officers were told to tuck their pants into their socks and wear gloves at all times. They were also required to have a hot shower after each shift.

Police were finally forced to abandon the station after a week of intense scratching.

"Officers started complaining mid-last week. They had localised irritation," the source said. "Initially, management dismissed it, but when more officers complained, they brought in an expert."

The expert discovered the infestation and required chemicals to be sent up from Adelaide to allow police to return to the abandoned station. The police van was also quarantined and separately fumigated.

An email was sent to police on Friday advising of the infestation and the station was closed on Sunday.

The source said he was concerned about the repercussions of the infestation.

"There might be other people who have been affected," the source said.

Police spokeswoman Amy Sloan confirmed the watchhouse shut its doors at 3pm on Sunday for fumigation. It is expected to reopen this afternoon.

Source: Nick Calacouras, Sunday Territorian