A recently-released inmate is wanted by police over the suspected abduction of a five-year-old girl from her home in the Northern Territory, as authorities continue their desperate search.
Sharon Granites, 5, was last seen at her home on Marshall Court in the Old Timers Camp, south of Alice Springs, about 11:30 pm on Saturday.
Police believe the girl may have disappeared from her home after being put to bed, wandering through an unlocked back door.
She was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and a white ring stripe around the end of the sleeves, and a pair of black boxer-style underwear.
In an updated statement on Monday, NT Police said officers are seeking public assistance to locate Jefferson Lewis, 47, who police believe can assist with enquiries.
Lewis was staying at the same residence at the time, 9 News reports.
Acting Commander Mark Grieve said he remains one of the few people in the area at the time and had not made himself known to police, nor could he be located.
He told the broadcaster Lewis had recently been released from prison for violent offences, including assault and domestic violence.
Earlier on Sunday, Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Ordelman said Sharon’s mother “went back to check on her and her mother was the one who telephoned police.”
Lewis was not in prison for child-related crimes, Commander Grieve said.
“He was in and around the house at that point in time, so I’m assuming there was some sort of recognition of who he may be,” Commander Grieves said.
“He’s the only person that we haven’t been able to locate and speak to who was in and around that area at the time.”
Lewis was believed to have disappeared at the same time as Sharon, Commander Grieves said.
The search for Sharon resumed on Monday morning after overnight searches failed to find her.
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and end of the sleeves and a pair of black boxer-style underwear.
Police said the search for the little girl had rocked the community.
“Obviously, it’s a terrible situation to have such a young child go missing,” Commander Grieve said.
“We’re over 24 hours now, so it’d certainly be my worst nightmare as a parent.”
Commander Grieve urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We want to find Sharon healthy, and we want to get her back to her family,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P26120934.
