Cleo Smith: Missing four-year-old found in locked house in Australia, detectives say they were 'shocked' and 'elated'

The lead investigator says "we all cried", adding: "It was an amazing moment. After (finding her) we were on such a high. It was fantastic."

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How missing four-year-old Cleo was found
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Police who found missing Cleo Smith in a locked house in Australia say they were "shocked" and then "elated" when the four-year-old confirmed: "My name is Cleo."

Detective Sergeant Cameron Blaine told reporters they were not prepared for such a happy outcome despite "always" hoping for it.

"It was absolutely fantastic. To see her sitting there was incredible," he said.

In this photo provided by the Western Australia Police, four-year-old Cleo Smith waves as she sits on a bed in hospital, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in undisclosed location, Australia. Police smashed their way into a suburban house on Wednesday and rescued Cleo whose disappearance from her family's camping tent on Australia's remote west coast more than two weeks ago both horrified and captivated the nation. The seal of Western Australia Police is seen at top left. 
Western Australia Police / AP
Image: Cleo in hospital after being found by police. Pic: WA Police

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Police an audio of the discovery of missing Cleo Smith

The child disappeared from a campsite in Western Australia more than two weeks ago.

A 36-year-old local man was arrested following a late-night raid at the house in the coastal town of Carnarvon, after police received a tip-off.

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While one of the other officers picked Cleo up, Detective Blaine said he was concerned to make sure it really was her.

"I said: 'What is your name?' She didn't answer, I asked again and she didn't answer. I asked a third time and then she looked at me and said: 'My name is Cleo.' And that was it. Then we turned around and walked out of the house."

Police stand guard outside the house where missing 4-year-old Cleo Smith was rescued by police in Carnarvon, 900km north of Perth, Australia, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. Police smashed their way into a house and rescued Cleo whose disappearance from her family's camping tent on Australia's remote west coast more than two weeks ago both horrified and captivated the nation. 
PIC:AAP/AP
Image: Police outside the house where Cleo was found. Pic: AP

Lead investigator Superintendent Rod Wilde said officers were overcome with emotion after finding Cleo.

"We all cried," he said. "Most definitely. It was an amazing moment. Suddenly after hearing that, we were on such a high. It was fantastic."

Detective Sergeant Hutchinson, the family liaison officer, then called Cleo's parents, telling them: "We've got someone here that wants to speak to you."

Their reaction was "just absolute surprise and they were ecstatic", the officer added.

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Moment police find missing four-year-old

"Things developed very quickly. To be able to give them that news and say 'please start making your way to the hospital' was fantastic."

Cleo's mum, Ellie Smith, wrote on social media: "Our family is whole again."

Bodycam footage shows a security officer carrying 4-year-old Cleo Smith, who went missing from an Australian outback campsite more than two weeks ago and was found in a locked house on November 3, as she is being rescued, in Carnarvon, Australia, November 3, 2021. Western Australia Police Force/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Image: Bodycam footage shows an officer carrying Cleo

Detective Blaine said Cleo is "physically okay - that was evident from the start".

Finding her caused "shock to start with, quickly followed by elation".

He added: "Can I say, having seen her a couple times this morning, she is a little energizer bunny.

"She's just a very, very sweet, energetic girl, very trusting and very open with us. You know, we all wanted to take turns in holding her. So yeah, it was a really good experience."

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Australian police on finding Cleo

Sky News correspondent Siobhan Robbins, who is in Australia, said: "Cleo Smith's mystery disappearance has gripped Australia. As the days passed with no news and no new sightings many were beginning to fear the worst. The hopes of finding the four-year-old safe and well seemed to be bleak.

"So today's surprise rescue has been described by some as a miracle. Many received the news as if it was an update on their own loved one.

"Others told us this was a 'good day for Australia' as a family - and a nation welcomed a little girl back home.

"'I have a 4-year-old too so it really hit home with me,' added 37-year-old New South Wales mother, Gina Walker.

"'I did not think that was going to be the outcome. I was shocked and so happy - I even teared up.'"

Cleo Smith’s mother Ellie Smith, standing with her partner Jake Gliddon, holds up a photo of her missing daughter while addressing the case from a police truck at Blowholes campsite, outside Carnarvon, Australia, October 19, 2021. Picture taken October 19, 2021. AAP Image/POOL, James Carmody via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. AUSTRALIA OUT. NEW ZEALAND OUT
Image: Cleo's mother, Ellie Smith, and her partner Jake Gliddon

Initially when Cleo went missing a huge land and sea search got under way on the assumption that she had wandered away from the tent she was in.

But the zipper on the compartment where she and her sister were sleeping was too high for her to have reached it.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said her discovery was a "huge relief" and a "moment for great joy".

Western Australia state Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said "dogged, methodical police work" led to Cleo being found.

He added: "It is a really special day for Western Australia. Indeed, I know the nation is rejoicing over the fact that we have been able to conduct this operation and we never gave up hope, and I know that Cleo's parents never gave up hope."