Scott Morrison reveals ‘advanced capabilities’ in search for Cleo Smith

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has addressed the disappearance of Cleo Smith, assuring the family of the missing four-year-old that the Australia Federal Police (AFP) are assisting “in every way they possibly can”.

Cleo went missing from her family’s tent at the Blowholes Campsite in Western Australia on October 16. Detectives investigating the disappearance are working with the theory that Cleo was allegedly abducted after a car was spotted leaving the campsite in the early hours after the four-year-old went missing.

Help WA Police find four-year-old Cleo Smith.

Police are seeking information regarding a vehicle that was seen leaving the vicinity of the Blowholes around 3:30am last Saturday. Please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or upload footage to:https://t.co/LJCHN2w8px. pic.twitter.com/KWDjTXFsJS

— WA Police Force (@WA_Police) October 25, 2021

Morrison told 6PR Radio the disappearance “is really capturing the minds of the country”.

“It certainly has captured our minds here, our hearts just go out to them.”

The Prime minister also revealed the AFP have joined the search and are using secret technology and intelligence methods to assist the investigations.

“But in terms of technology and tradecraft, the AFP have some very advanced capabilities, leading edge, not just here in Australia but all around the world,” he said.

“As much as I’d love to reveal exactly what some of those are and how they’re being used, we certainly can’t talk about that on air.

“But the AFP are there, they’ve joined that process. I’m very pleased to say that they’re helping in every way they possibly can, through their intelligence capabilities, their technology and their forensics abilities.

“I just hope we can find Cleo, I just really do. I just think the whole nation is just waiting and hoping and praying, we certainly are.”

Morrison’s comments come as forensic officers returned to Cleo Smith’s family home on Tuesday 26 to examine inside the home. A police spokesperson told 7 News the second examination was a routine part of the investigation. Police have previously stated Cleo’s parents are not under investigation and aren’t suspected in the disappearance.

Cleo’s parents, Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon, have strongly denied any involvement in their daughter’s disappearance, calling the allegations “absolutely disgusting”.

Cleo was last seen sleeping in a red and black sleeping bag and was wearing a pink/purple one-piece sleep-suit with a blue and yellow pattern. Grave concerns are held for Cleo’s safety as WA Police explore the possibility she was abducted.

WA Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 131 444 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.