ALICE SPRINGS: Violent clashes have erupted in the outback town of Alice Springs after police discovered the body of a missing five-year-old Indigenous girl, referred to by her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Crowds gathered outside a hospital where the suspected killer was being treated, confronting police in scenes that saw teargas deployed, a police vehicle set alight, and officers attempting to disperse protesters overnight.
The unrest followed the discovery on Thursday of a body south of Alice Springs believed to be that of the child, who had disappeared days earlier from a community camp known as Old Timers.
A large-scale search effort involving residents, police and emergency teams — on foot, horseback and by helicopter — had gripped much of Australia.
Police said a formal autopsy would be conducted after the body was found about five kilometres from the camp.
Authorities have arrested a suspect, identified as Jefferson Lewis, who was reportedly assaulted by community members before being taken into custody.
According to Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole, Lewis was unconscious and receiving treatment from paramedics when police and emergency responders came under attack.
“A large crowd gathered and tried to gain access to that hospital,” Dole said, adding that multiple officers were injured, including one who sustained a head wound.
Ambulance and fire crews were also targeted, with one rescue worker suffering what officials described as a significant facial injury.
Police said they were investigating allegations that a woman attempted to set a police vehicle on fire during the unrest.
Authorities later transferred the suspect to Darwin for his safety, where he remains in custody and is expected to face charges.
Calls for “payback” — a traditional form of justice in some Indigenous communities — were heard among the crowd, according to local media reports.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro described the child’s death as the realisation of “our worst nightmares” but condemned the violence.
“This week, we’ve seen this town come together like never before,” she said, referring to the widespread community effort to find the missing girl.
Community elder Robin Granites also urged calm, calling for respect as the family enters a period of mourning.
“It is time now for sorry business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering,” he said.
The incident has underscored deep tensions and grief within the community, as authorities work to restore order and continue their investigation.
