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Riots in Alice SpringsAngry mob attacks suspect after the death of little Sharon (5).
5-year-old Sharon Granites had been missing since April 26th. Her body was found four days later.
Northern Territory Police
The mood in the outback turns violent.
The sad certainty in the case of little Sharon Granites is triggering violent scenes in Australia. After the dead girl was found, there were attacks on the suspect in Alice Springs and later riots at the hospital.
Angry mob attacks suspect after little Sharon's death
After the death of five-year-old Sharon Granites, the mood in Alice Springs has completely changed. Angry people attacked the suspect before he was arrested. The suspect was then taken to hospital injured. But the situation did not calm down there either.
According to Police Commissioner Martin Dole, there were further riots in front of the hospital. Not only the officials were affected, but also rescue workers and hospital employees.
Sharon's family tries to calm the situation
As anger boils over in Alice Springs, Sharon's family tries to calm the situation. The girl's grandfather called for calm in the Australian media. Now is the time for mourning, respect and space for memories, he tells ABC Australia.
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Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke out publicly. He expressed his condolences to Sharon's family and said she was in the hearts of all Australians at this time of terrible loss.
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Little Sharon was missing for days – then her body turns up
The case caused horror in Australia for days. Sharon disappeared from her home on Sunday night (April 26) and has been missing since then. A large-scale search was then carried out in the outback around Alice Springs. Hundreds of emergency services, volunteers, drones, helicopters, horses and indigenous trackers were deployed.
Sharon's body was found just before midday on Thursday (April 30). She was discovered by members of a police search party. The forensic medical investigation to determine the cause of death is ongoing.
The suspect had only recently been released from prison
The focus of the investigation is a 47-year-old man. He is also said to have been in the house at Old Timers Town Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on the night of the disappearance. According to police, he had been released from prison just a few days earlier after serving around 18 months for serious violent crimes.
Reading tip: Was little Sharon (5) kidnapped while she was sleeping?
Investigators now believe that Sharon was kidnapped. According to police, the man is said to have had a loose connection to the family. He was also seen holding the child's hand before he disappeared.
Sources used: ABC Australia, X account by Anthony Albanesedpa
