Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned the following article contains names and images of the deceased.
Dozens of Alice Springs residents have engaged in violent riots following the alleged abduction and murder of a five-year-old girl. Crowds of more than 100 people gathered in the streets, as shops were looted and rocks were thrown at police, who retaliated with tear gas.
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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Riots break out in Alice Springs after little girl's death
The riots broke out after the body of a child, whose family has asked be known as Kumanjayi Little Baby, was found just before midday on Thursday, about 5km from where she went missing. The five-year-old girl was reported missing from her home on Marshall Ct in Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs, about 1.35am on Sunday.
A widespread search was undertaken for the suspected abductor, Jefferson Lewis, who the little girl was last seen with. Lewis, 47, was arrested at a residence in Alice Springs hours after Kumanjayi Little Baby's body was found. He was taken to Alice Springs Hospital, before angry locals — many calling for Lewis to be killed — flocked to the facility.
Many of the rioters were accusing police of protecting the suspect, and chanting for "payback", which ABC reports is a term for traditional punishment under Aboriginal law in Central Australia.
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Police have since relocated Lewis, Sunrise reports. Lewis is yet to be charged, with Northern Territory Police expected to provide an update on the investigation on Friday morning.
Riots broke out near Alice Springs Hospital, where Jefferson Lewis was being held on Thursday night. Credit: @shanemartWhyn
Large rocks were thrown at police, who responded with tear gas. Credit: The Australian
Looting also took place as the riots unfolded outside Alice Springs Hospital. Credit: @shanemartWhyn
On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he hoped Kumanjayi Little Baby lived on in every "heart she ever touched". "Our hearts are broken that the case of the little girl missing in Alice Springs has had such a tragic ending," he said in a statement. "She was just at the start of life's adventure."
Kumanjayi Little Baby's family is taking solace in their faith after the girl was found dead. Credit: NT Police
Jefferson Lewis has been arrested in relation to the girl's death. Credit: NT Police
NT Police's Executive Director of Cultural Reform, Leanne Liddle, read out a heartfelt letter from Kumanjayi Little Baby's mother. "To Kumanjayi Little Baby," the grieving mum said. "Me and Ramsiah miss and love you. I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Me and your brother will meet you one day. We are giving our lives to Jesus. It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you. Ramsiah wants to tell you that when he sees you in Heaven, he is going to give you the biggest hug ever. Love from Mum and Ramsiah."
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