Cleo Smith’s family speaks for first time after she was found

Cleo Smith’s parents have spoken for the first time since their daughter’s safe return after being held captive during 18 days of hell.

Cleo Smith’s parents have released their first statement since their daughter’s safe return.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith,” the statement said.

“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.

“We are humbled by the love and support that we have received from not only our local community but the whole of Western Australia 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.”

It comes after the man charged with the alleged abduction of four-year-old Cleo was flown from the town of Carnarvon to a Perth maximum security jail cell.

Terence Darrell Kelly boards a plane after being taken into custody by members of the Special Operations Group at Carnarvon airport. Picture: Getty Images

Terence Darrell Kelly, 36, was bare foot and wearing a white shirt and black shorts as he was put on the small chartered Cessna 441 aircraft at Carnarvon airport 11.30am local time for the short flight to Jandakot Airport in Perth’s south.

The bearded Kelly had both ankle and hand cuffs linked by a chain and was accompanied on the aircraft by WA Police Special Operations Group officers who are part of state’s prison riot squad.

The Special Operations Group officers don’t normally transport prisoners, but they flew 960km from Perth to escort Kelly after he was deemed to be a high risk inmate.

Also on the flight was a Taskforce Rodia detective carrying a large evidence bag.

As he boarded the aircraft, Kelly appeared to wink as he stared back toward the media.

Added protective measures were used as the prisoner was reported to have been “disruptive” overnight.

Kelly, 36, has been charged with various offences relating to the disappearance of Cleo Smith. Picture: Getty Images

Kelly spent the previous night in a padded cell at Carnarvon police station for his own protection after twice injuring himself while in custody, including bashing his head against the wall and requiring hospital treatment.

His shift to the Western Australian capital comes as police continue to put together a lengthy brief of evidence in time for Kelly’s next court appearance expected to be via video link on December 6.

Police are working on the theory that Kelly had allegedly been at the Quobba Blowholes campsite, 75km from Carnarvon, on the night of October 15 looking to steal from the huts and tents.

They had previously said the alleged abduction of Cleo was an opportunistic crime.

Detectives attached to Task Force Rodia on Friday renewed their appeal to Carnarvon locals to assist and supply them with CCTV, home security and dashcam footage from that night to November 2 when they arrested Kelly and raided his home and found Cleo alone.

Kelly’s car was on Friday night on its way to Perth on the back of a flat-top truck where it will undergo forensic testing.

Cleo is carried inside a friend's house by her mother in Carnarvon. Picture: Getty Images

Officers were on Friday going shop to shop asking about footage to piece together a movements timeline.

Kelly has been charged with offences including forcible removal of a child under 16 years, commonly referred to as child stealing. He was not required to enter a plea.

Kelly’s move to a Perth prison came as Cleo spent a second session on Friday with specialist police child interviewers attempting to slowly extract what she endured during the 18 days she was missing.

The specialists arriving with toys, chatted with her where she is currently staying at stepdad Jake Gliddon’s parents’ home.

Police said this would be a slow process with no time frame set and would come about through general chatting to tease out vital evidence.

Earlier police explained to mum Ellie Smith and Mr Gliddon that while it would be“incredibly hard”, they needed to avoid discussion about that period so as to not “taint” potential evidence.

Police officers involved with the search for Cleo Smith are seen leaving Carnarvon. Picture: AAP

Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine said the parents had been very cooperative with officers at this critical juncture in the case.

Snr Sgt Blaine said the talks with Cleo would take “as long as it takes”.

Extra police have been flown into the township amid concerns of unrest and anger in the community. Locals have said their presence is being felt with the number of uniformed officers seen on the streets.

Taxi dashcam footage emerged showing the moment Kelly was arrested. It reveals the car was being followed by police being dramatically pulled over; there were female relatives in the car at the time.

There’s no suggestion of wrongdoing on their part.

A witness said after a short struggle Kelly was pinned down and detained about 11.24pm; Cleo was rescued about 4km away and an hour later at 12.46am WA time.

Meanwhile many of the Perth-based detectives assisting with the investigation of Cleo have returned to their homes, flooding local tourist stores to buy caps sporting the Carnarvon 6701 postcode as a momento of the case and its successful outcome.