Northern Territory Police have confirmed the body of a small child has been found in the search for missing five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, as she is now being referred to by her family.

Speaking at a press conference, Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the body is believed to be the missing girl.

“This is an incredibly distressing development,” he said.

2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren has called the news “truly tragic”.

“As a father of a daughter who’s not much younger ... These stories hit home,” he said.

Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below:

A previous version of this article had identified the five-year-old; this has been changed to reflect the family’s wishes and to follow Walpiri custom.

Image: NT Police