The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing its search for missing 5-year-old Sharon Granites in Alice Springs.
Around 1:35am on Sunday morning, police received reports that Sharon could not be located at her residence on Marshall Court, Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs.
The exact timeline of events remains under investigation and police have received multiple reports.
Current investigations have a witness claiming to have seen Jefferson Lewis holding hands with Sharon at around 11pm that night. Shortly after this, a family member claims to have seen Sharon within the residence. At around 11:30pm, family notice she is missing from the residence. Police are contacted at 1:35am.
Police immediately responded and conducted initial enquiries. A crime scene was established a short distance from the town camp, and police can confirm items seized from the crime scene included a yellow adult t-shirt, a doona, and a pair of children's underwear. They are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Multiple police units have been deployed as part of the extensive search for Sharon, titled Operation Chelsfield, including members from the Search and Rescue Section, Cultural Reform, Mounted Unit, Dog Operations Unit, General Duties, Community Safety Engagement Team, Territory Response Group and Territory Safety Division.
Additional support has been provided by NT Fire and Emergency Services, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, Tangentyere Council, and the Central Land Council.
Resources deployed include helicopters, drones, ATVs, motorbikes, horses, and foot patrols, with search taskings also taking place overnight utilising drones with thermal imaging capability.
Multiple local organisations, community groups and businesses have also been providing support to the search effort.
The Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole APM said, "I'd like to commend our hardworking police officers who have been on the ground since Sharon was reported missing.
"I would also like to thank NT Fire and Emergency Services, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police for providing their skills and resources.
"The incredible Alice Springs community has rallied around the search efforts, volunteering to take part in line searches and providing much appreciated food, water and support, and I thank everyone for their generosity.
"The Northern Territory Police Force will be relentless in its efforts to bring Sharon home.
"If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact police immediately."
Police continue to seek public assistance to locate 47-year-old male, Jefferson Lewis, who police believe can assist with enquires.
Sharon 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.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sharon or Jefferson Lewis, or who has any information at all, is urged to call police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
