Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah is in police custody following an incident in Central Australia, where the AFL player is on personal leave.

The Demons gave Jurrah time off to return home and deal with family and community issues.

Melbourne issued a media statement on Thursday, saying Jurrah was being held by police following an incident on Wednesday night.

They added no charges had been laid.

“We are not aware of any further information and therefore not in a position to make comment at this time,” the Demons said.

Jurrah is an elder of the Warlpiri people, who are based about 300km north-west of Alice Springs in the small indigenous community of Yuendumu.

Nicknamed the Warlpiri Wizard, Jurrah is the first player from remote central Australia to be drafted to the AFL.

Jurrah is recovering from off-season wrist surgery.