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Cleo Smith found: Police find missing girl alive and well

Headshot of David Johns
David JohnsThe West Australian
VideoCleo Smith has been found alive.

Police have rescued missing girl Cleo Smith alive and well after smashing down the door of a locked house in Carnarvon.

WA Police Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch said it was his “privilege” to announce the little girl, who went missing more than two weeks ago, was found in the early hours of the morning.

A man is in custody and is being questioned by detectives.

“A police team broke their way into a locked house in Carnarvon about 1am,” he said.

“They found little Cleo in one of the rooms.

“One of the officers picked her up into his arms and said ‘what’s your name?’

“She said ‘my name is Cleo’.”

The miracle find has sent shockwaves around the country.

Pictures of Deputy Police Commissioner Col Blanch during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Perth.
Photo Ross Swanborough. 251021
Camera IconCredit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian, Deputy Police Commissioner Col Blanch during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Perth.

Deputy Commissioner Blanch said the outcome was what “we all hoped and prayed for”.

“It’s the outcome we’ve achieved because of some incredible police work.

“I want to thank Cleo’s parents, the Western Australian community and the many volunteers.

“And of course, I want to thank my colleagues in the Western Australia Police Force.”

Deputy Commissioner Blanch said police would have “more to say” on the rescue as the day unfolds.

“For now — welcome home Cleo.”

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