UPDATE: Police search for boy continues as family perishes in the outback

A desperate search continues for a 12-year-old boy as more details emerge of an outback tragedy in the Northern Territory which has already claimed three lives.

Policed have today confirmed a man and woman, both aged 19, and a three-year-old boy have been found dead at remote Willowra, 300km north-west of Alice Springs and 400km south west of Tennant Creek.

Emergency services are focusing today on finding a 12-year-old boy who was believed to have been travelling with the young family.

Police were alerted to the deaths of two adults and a child after a man raised the alarm at the Willowra Health Clinic just before 12.30pm yesterday.

Because of flooding rain and the remoteness of the area, police Investigators were only able to arrive on scene late yesterday.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for Coroner.

Earlier reports suggested extreme heat, remoteness of the area and lack of communications may have been a contributing factor in the family’s deaths.

They are believed to have begun their trip to another remote community five days ago.

"This does serve as a timely reminder to anybody travelling on the Northern Territory roads, when you do travel, your vehicle is in a fit state for travel," Superintendent Jody Nobbs said.

"And that you have sufficient supplies including water and a first aid kit, and someone is aware of what your travel itinerary is."

Police are appealing to members within those communities to contact police immediately on 131 444 should they locate or have information on the child’s whereabouts.

Police are calling on anyone with information in relation to the whereabouts of the child to contact them immediately on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.