Police have declared the death of a child in a remote community south-west of Alice Springs a "major incident".
The boy's family reported his absence to police after searching for several hours on Friday.
Northern Territory Police mounted a search and rescue operation on Friday night and found the child, aged under five, early on Saturday morning.
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He subsequently passed away.
On Sunday afternoon, acting Assistant Commissioner Sachin Sharma said officers were interviewing witnesses to determine the circumstances behind the disappearance and death.
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Police offered their sincere condolences to the family and have requested that the family's privacy is respected at this time.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
