The family of formerly missing Australian toddler Cleo Smith have released a statement thanking local police and the team that helped bring their four-year-old daughter home.
Cleo disappeared while camping with her family more than two weeks ago. She had been missing for 18 days. Police received a tipoff that led to the house where she was found locked in a room in the early hours of Wednesday morning
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith," they said on Friday.
"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."
Cleo's mum Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gilddon say support has come from across the country,
"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,"
A 36-year-old man accused of the abduction of Cleo Smith appeared in court in Western Australia on Thursday charged with the alleged abduction.
The accused, Terence Darrell Kelly, has been charged with numerous offences including forcibly taking a child under 16.
Kelly has been remanded in custody until December 6.
