We are humbled by the love and support we have received’: Cleo Smith’s family issue statement
The family of Cleo Smith have issued a statement thanking the police and wider Carnarvon community after their daughter’s safe return.
Cleo Smith was found in a home in Carnarvon early Wednesday morning after going missing from Quobba Blowholes while camping with her family on October 16.
The brief statement was issued by her mother Ellie and stepfather Jake.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith.
“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.”
Cleo was reunited with her family after police rescued her from a locked home in the Western Australian town in Carnarvon just before 1am on Wednesday.
Terence Darrell Kelly, 36, from Carnarvon, has been charged with various offences relating to the abduction.
The alleged offences include one charge of kidnapping.
The man appeared at Carnarvon courthouse shortly after 4pm AWST yesterday and made no application for bail. He will re-appear in a Perth court in December.
