Alice Springs missing child: Search for Sharon, 5yo, enters its fourth day, police remain optimistic
More than 72 hours after five-year-old Sharon was reported missing, police have issued a message for a man suspected of abducting her.
The search for a missing five-year-old and a man last seen holding hands with the child has entered its fourth day.
There have been no confirmed sightings of Sharon since she went missing from her Alice Springs home on Saturday night, with NT Police suspecting she was abducted by 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who was released from prison last week.
On Wednesday morning, NT Police Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said everyone involved in the search, which she labelled a “well-co-ordinated exercise”, was desperate to locate Sharon as soon as possible.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Helicopters, drones, dog squads, mounted police, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles have all been deployed, alongside NORFORCE personnel, Australian Defence Force members, aboriginal trackers and local volunteers.
About 70 volunteers joined the search on Tuesday morning alone.
“We will not give up,” she told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned. This is the most heartbreaking thing, we hope to find her today.”
Ms Finocchiaro said the disappearance of the child “has really impacted everyone”.
“We’re determined to find her healthy and well,” she said.
“We need to find this little girl and bring her home to her mother.”
Ms Finocchiaro also commended the “incredible” response from the Alice Springs community.
“People are walking shoulder-to shoulder through the bush, trying to leave no stone unturned in a very large area of Alice Springs,”
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue, short-sleeve t-shirt, with white stripes around the neck and sleeves; and black, boxer-style underwear.
On Tuesday, NT Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley revealed Sharon’s disappearance has been declared a major crime.
Mr Malley said police quickly established that both Sharon and Mr Lewis were missing after being contacted about 1.35am on Sunday by her mother.
“I don’t know whether it was (reported during) the same call, but after police got there … it was very quickly relayed to us that Jefferson Lewis was also missing,” he said.
“I think he was last seen with the little girl, holding hands, at around about 11 o’clock at night.”
Police allege the little girl was led away to an area behind Old Timers camp, where they have since found “items of interest”.
“We believe Jefferson Lewis has taken the little girl away to that crime scene that we have taped off,” Mr Malley said.
Ms Finocchiaro had a message for Mr Lewis.
“Hand yourself in,” she said.
“Go to authorities.”
Anyone with information is being urged to to contact police on 131 444 and quote the reference number P26120934.
Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers online or on 1800 333 000.
