“We do believe Sharon has been abducted,” he said.
Police said Jefferson Lewis, 47, who was recently released from prison, may be able to assist with inquiries.
“He is believed to have been in the area around that time and staying at the residence,” Grieve said.
“He currently remains one of the few people who was in Old Timers Camp at the time and who has not made themselves known to police, nor have police been able to locate him.”
Lewis was not in prison for child-related crimes, Grieve said.
Police believe Jefferson Lewis, 47, may be able to assist. Photo / Northern Territory Police handout
The 47-year-old was recently released from prison. Photo / Northern Territory Police handout
“He was in and around the house at that point in time, so I’m assuming there was some sort of recognition of who he may be,” Grieve said.
“He’s the only person that we haven’t been able to locate and speak to who was in and around that area at the time.”
Lewis was believed to have disappeared at the same time as Sharon, Grieve said.
The 5-year-old has not been seen since Saturday evening. Photo / Northern Territory Police handout
The search for Sharon resumed on Monday morning after overnight searches failed to find her.
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue, short-sleeve T-shirt with a white stripe around the collar and end of the sleeves and a pair of black boxer-style underwear.
Police said the search for the girl had rocked the community.
“Obviously, it’s a terrible situation to have such a young child go missing,” Grieve said.
“We’re over 24 hours now, so it’d certainly be my worst nightmare as a parent.”
Grieve urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We want to find Sharon healthy and we want to get her back to her family,” he said.
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