An Alice Springs hospital clash broke out overnight after Australian police took the suspected killer of a five-year-old Indigenous girl there for treatment, officials said Friday.
Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole said a large crowd tried to enter the hospital after suspect Jefferson Lewis was taken there following his arrest.
The violence followed Thursday’s discovery of a body south of Alice Springs, in Australia’s Northern Territory, believed to be that of the girl known at her family’s request as Kumanjayi Little Baby.
The child had disappeared late Saturday from Old Timers, an Indigenous community camp near Alice Springs, prompting a days-long search by foot, horseback and helicopter.
Police said the body was found about five kilometres from the camp and that a formal autopsy would be conducted.
Dole said Lewis had turned himself in to Indigenous community members Thursday evening before being beaten unconscious. He said police and St John’s Ambulance crews came under attack while treating and apprehending him.
Dole said several police officers were injured, including one treated for a head wound, while ambulance and fire crew members were also attacked. One fire and rescue officer suffered a significant facial injury, he said.
Police said Lewis was moved from Alice Springs to Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, for his safety and remained in custody. He is expected to face charges in the coming days.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro called the child’s death the realisation of “our worst nightmares” but said it did not excuse violence.
Robin Granites, a family spokesman and Warlpiri elder, called for calm, saying the community needed space for “sorry business,” grieving and cultural practice.
