Crowds were invited to stand in silent solidarity with the family of the Warlpiri girl who was allegedly murdered in Alice Springs last week

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The national body representing First Nations children has called for an end to the politicisation of the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, as hundreds of people gathered around the country to mourn her passing.

Community vigils were held across Australia on Thursday to honour the five-year-old Warlpiri girl, whose body was found one week ago after a frantic five-day search.

Lewis, 47, did not appear at first hearing since being charged over death of girl, 5, who was allegedly abducted from an Alice Springs town camp

• Warning: This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have died

Jefferson Lewis, the man accused of murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby near a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory last week, has been excused from his first court appearance.

Lewis, 47, was expected to appear in the Alice Springs local court via video link on Tuesday morning, charged with murder and two other charges that cannot be published for legal reasons.

Indigenous Australians can call 13YARN on 13 92 76 for information and crisis support; or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Mensline on 1300 789 978

Dozens of people gather outside hospital where 47-year-old was being treated five days after the five-year-old girl disappeared

•Warning: This article contains references to and images of Indigenous Australians who have died

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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.

Council workers were assessing the damage on Friday morning, as fires smouldered in skip bins and a nearby service station had been pulled apart.