Cleo Smith ‘tells police woman brushed hair’ during alleged abduction

A woman who reportedly took care of Cleo Smith while she was locked up inside a house could be key to the investigation.

A mystery woman could be key to the Cleo Smith investigation after the little girl reportedly told investigators a female looked after her and brushed her hair while she was locked up inside a house.

The Daily Mail Australia has reported that sources close to the investigation claimed Cleo has mentioned that a woman visited the Tonkin Crescent house in Carnarvon during the time she was allegedly held captive, and helped care for her.

It comes after police in Western Australia said on Monday they were trying to determine if more than one person was involved in the alleged abduction of the four-year-old.

Cleo Smith was allegedly taken from her family’s tent while camping at Quobba Blowholes, 75km north of Carnarvon, on October 16.

The little girl was missing for 18 days until she was rescued by police from the locked bedroom of a one-bedroom property in the West Australian town.

Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine said on Monday the investigation was going well.

“Our focus this week is for us to ascertain whether there was anyone else involved. That’s why we are still here,” he told reporters in Carnarvon.

A white mobile phone seized by police during the Cleo Smith investigation. Picture: Jackson Flindell/ The West Australian

“We just ask that if there was anyone that had any contact with Mr Kelly, whether you saw him or met him or spoke to him on the phone, during the relevant period – please make yourself known to police.”

Police continued to search the home of Terence Darrell Kelly, who has been charged with allegedly abducting Cleo.

Forensics at the house on Tonkin Crescent in Carnarvon where Terence Kelly lived.

Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine. Picture: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

Among the items bagged and taken away was a mobile phone.

Police last week revealed mobile phone data was used to help them narrow in on Kelly.

“So we put the phone data over number-plate recognition data, CCTV, witness accounts, forensics … and when you layer them on top of each other you solve crimes and that is merely what we have done here,” lead investigator Rod Wilde said last week.

On Sunday, forensics officers were filmed carrying several bags of evidence seized from the home including a Bratz doll, crayons, pens and markers.

Kelly faced court on Thursday charged with one count of forcibly taking a child under 16 and one other charge. He was then flown under heavy police guard more than 960km to Perth’s maximum security prison.

Kelly will again face court in December.

CLEO SMITH CASE: UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Was Cleo in the house for the entire 18 days?

Neighbours said they were shocked Cleo had been found so close to them. They hadn’t noticed anything suspicious or seen any sign of a small child.

Was she taken somewhere else? If so, where?

Police are scouring the home for forensic clues, but so far no other places of interest have been announced. However, Kelly’s movements over the 18 days are still unknown and will be a major focus for investigators.

Was Terence Kelly watching the family before the alleged abduction?

Police raised the possibility the family home in Perth was being watched, and the family stalked before the abduction. Did this happen?

Home at last. ... Cleo Smith back with her parents. Picture: Getty Images

Was Cleo specifically targeted?

Was Cleo the intended victim, or could any child that night been taken?

Had Kelly been watching the camp site?

Was the night Cleo taken the first time Kelly had allegedly been to the campsite?

Terence Darrell Kelly is being taken to prison in Perth for the alleged kidnapping of Cleo Smith. Picture: Colin Murty

What led police to Kelly?

He came to police attention just hours before Cleo was rescued. What tip did they receive?

Forensics and masked police search 18a Tonkin Cresent in Carnarvon, the place where Cleo Smith believed to have spent the 18 days she was missing. Picture: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

How did Cleo disappear without her family waking up ?

No one heard anything before the alleged abduction? How did this occur without anyone noticing or hearing?

Was Kelly the man in the car caught on CCTV?

The CCTV footage was a key part of the inquiry before Cleo was finally rescued.

Originally published as Cleo Smith ‘tells police woman brushed hair’ during alleged abduction