Unrest in Alice Springs after Jefferson Lewis arrested over death of Kumanjayi Little Baby

An angry crowd has clashed with police outside a hospital in Alice Springs where a 47-year-old man arrested by police in connection with the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was being treated.

The arrest of Jefferson Lewis was confirmed in a brief statement by Northern Territory police just before 10pm local time on Thursday night.

A police vehicle set alight during clashes between outside Alice Springs hospital. Photograph: Rhett Hammerton/EPA

“A short time ago, the Northern Territory police force located and arrested Jefferson Lewis at a residence in Alice Springs,” the statement said.

Guardian Australia understands police were called by members of the community and Lewis was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained prior to his arrest.

Dozens of local people gathered outside the hospital as news of his arrest spread.

Police vehicles and bins were set on fire, and objects were thrown at police who responded with tear gas.

An arrest order was issued for Lewis, 47, on Sunday, after the young girl was reported missing by her mother from the Ilyperenye (Old Timers) town camp.

People face off with police in Alice Springs. Photograph: Rhett Hammerton/AAP

The body of the young Warlpiri girl was discovered by a police search and rescue team shortly before midday on Thursday, after five days of searching.

She is referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, at the request of her family.

Her mother earlier issued a statement via police, addressed to her daughter.

“I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” she said. “Me and your brother will meet you one day … It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.”