“Our family is whole again”: Cleo Smith’s mother breaks her silence

The mother of missing Cleo Smith has broken her silence hours after the four-year-old was found alive by Western Australian Police.

Cleo, who had been missing for 18 days, was found “alive and well” at approximately 1 am Western Australian time on November 3, police confirmed.

Ellie Smith took to Instagram to share a news alert on her daughter’s discovery alongside the caption, “Our family is whole again.”

 

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An outpouring of heartfelt reactions to the news came in thick and fast from all over the world.

“What a true miracle.”

“This really is the best news ever. It came through here in the UK just as I was getting into bed. I can’t begin to express how relieved I am to hear this news & can’t even begin to imagine how you are all feeling. Well done to everyone involved with the search & sending joyous love & hugs from across the pond at bedtime xxx.”

“The whole of Australia in tears driving to work this morning. Awesome news to hear. So happy you’ve been reunited.”

“Home safe in your arms where she belongs and in time for Christmas! I’m crying tears of joy and relief for you and your family.”

Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch confirmed in a statement early Wednesday morning that Cleo was found “alive and well”.

“It’s my privilege to announce that in the early hours of this morning the Western Australia Police Force rescued Cleo Smith,” he said.

“This is the outcome we all hoped and prayed for.”

Acting Police Commissioner Col Blanch told 6PR’s Gareth Parker “this is something we all hoped in our hearts and it has come true”.

“We were looking for a needle in a haystack and we found it, that led us to what happened at 12:46 am this morning,” he said.

“When she said ‘my name is Cleo,’ I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.

“I have seen seasoned detectives openly crying with relief.”

Cleo had been missing since October 16, when she disappeared from the tent she was sleeping in with her parents at the Blowholes Campgrounds.