Cleo’s mum Ellie said their family is “whole again.”
Cleo Smith’s family have issued a statement after police in Western Australia rescued the four-year-old.
Cleo had been missing for over two weeks when officers found her in a locked house just seven minutes away from her family home.
Mum Ellie said they are beyond grateful to have their little girl back in their arms again.
She and her partner Jake Gliddon stated:
“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.”
The couple added, “We are humbled by the love and support we have received not only by 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. Our family is whole again.”
Ellie and Jake have asked for privacy as their family adjusts to life after Cleo’s kidnapping.
“As we try to get on with our lives, we ask that you respect our privacy,” they stressed.
A 36-year-old man has been transported to a maximum-security prison in Australia.
Numerous charges have been made against him, including one count of forcibly taking a child under 16.
Terence Darrell Kelly purchased Disney toys and dolls before kidnapping Cleo in October.
He was not in the house when the police rescued Cleo.
Officers found him in his car no less than an hour after they broke into his home to save the four-year-old girl.
