Cleo Smith’s parents ‘humbled by ‘love and support’ from whole nation after 4-year-old miraculously found in Carnarvon

Cleo Smith’s parents have made their first public statement since the four-year-old was found, saying they’ve felt love and support from around Australia.

Cleo Smith’s parents have thanked everyone involved in her dramatic rescue for making their family “whole again”, saying they’re grateful to have their little girl back in their arms.

The four-year-old was allegedly taken from the family tent while camping at Quobba Blowholes, 75km north of Carnarvon, on October 16 and was missing for 18 days.

West Australian Police on Friday night released a statement from Cleo’s mother Ellie Smith and stepfather Jake Gliddon.

“In particular, we would like to thank WA Police, all those involved in the initial search, the Carnarvon community, local businesses and of course our family and friends,” they said.

“We are humbled by the love and support that we have received from not only our local community but the whole of WA and across the country.

“We are so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms and our family is whole again. As we try to get on with our lives, we ask that you respect our privacy.”

Cleo Smith, pictured here with her mother Ellie, was found in the early hours of Wednesday morning after police raided a house in Carnarvon. Picture: Tamati Smith/Getty Images

Cleo was rescued from a locked house in Carnarvon – not far from her family home – just before 1am on Wednesday after detectives forced their way in.

One of the officers picked her up into his arms and asked “What is your name?” to which she replied: “My name is Cleo”.

Ms Smith had made a series of heartbreaking appeals on social media before her daughter was found pleading for help to “find my baby girl” and “bring my baby home”.

Homicide detective Cameron Blaine, who was among Cleo’s rescuers, said she appeared to be doing well after her ordeal and described her as an “energiser bunny”.

“I can only see her from the outside. But from that point of view, I’m amazed that she seems to be so well adjusted and happy,” he said.

The house where Cleo was found. Picture: Richard Wainwright/AAP

Terence Darrell Kelly, 36, had been arrested about an hour before Cleo was found and has since been charged with two offences including one count of forcibly taking a child aged under 16.

During his court appearance on Thursday, Mr Kelly verbally lashed out at the media.

He was remanded in custody to face court again on December 6.

Barefoot and wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, Mr Kelly was shackled as special operations group officers escorted him onto a plane at Carnarvon Airport on Friday morning.

They arrived at Jandakot Airport, in Perth’s south, a couple of hours later and Mr Kelly was whisked away in a highly secured van to a maximum-security prison.

WA Police released an image of Cleo in hospital being checked shortly after her rescue. Picture: Western Australia Police

WA Police have urged people not to speculate on the case on social media, saying the courts were the appropriate place for it to play out.

Cleo’s disappearance sparked a massive land, air and sea search, and hit headlines around the world.

The case was cracked by a task-force of more than 100 and WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has praised all involved with immense pride.

WA Police Acting Commissioner Col Blanch told The West Australian it took “every piece of the puzzle” to find the little girl.

“That includes (intelligence) from the public, that includes collection from phone towers, witness statements, you know, forensics, rubbish from the highways, CCTV cameras – they were all jigsaw pieces in the big puzzle,” he said.

WA Premier Mark McGowan visited the residence where Cleo Smith and parents are staying, police teddy bears in tow. Picture: Colin Murty

WA Premier Mark McGowan visited the family on Thursday, holding two teddies — one for Cleo and the other for her younger sister Isla.

“Cleo was a delightful little girl, who was playing in the backyard and I gave her the two teddies, which we named,” he said.

Mr McGowan said they named the teddies Cameron and Rod after the detective who rescued her and the lead investigator on the case, but he was unsure whether those names would stick.

“Cleo didn’t seem too enamoured with those names,” the Premier joked with reporters.

Originally published as Cleo Smith’s parents ‘humbled by ‘love and support’ from whole nation after 4-year-old miraculously found in Carnarvon