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Cleo Smith found: Teary Scott Morrison ‘thanks God’ missing girl was rescued

Lanai Scarr at Al Minhad Air BaseThe West Australian
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A missing poster at the corner of Blowholes Road and the North West Coast Highway.
Camera IconA missing poster at the corner of Blowholes Road and the North West Coast Highway. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has given an emotional tribute to the police services who helped to find Cleo Smith alive.

Stopping in Australia’s Al Minhad Air Base on the way back from Glasgow, Mr Morrison said it was extraordinary the four-year-old had been found after being missing for three weeks.

He held back tears as he spoke about her rescue and said it was a relief for all parents.

“I just want to say how thankful I am that Cleo is home and safe,” Mr Morrison said as he fought back tears.

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“This is every parent’s worst nightmare and it is just a huge relief … this particular case has captured the hearts of Australians and I want to thank all of the police and all of those involved in making sure Cleo is safe.

“Thank you so much for that - I know you do it every day and I know you feel a great sense of satisfaction.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a media conference on October 15, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has responded to the NSW government's announcement they would lift passenger caps and remove quarantine requirements for vaccinated international travellers from 1 November 2021. The Prime Minister clarified the rules would only apply to Australian citizens, residents and their immediate families. In the same press conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison also confirmed he would attend 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Camera IconAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the abduction of Cleo Smith was “every parent’s worst nightmare”. Credit: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“Thank you so much I just thank God that Cleo is home and is safe.”

Mr Morrison said he hoped a circumstance like this would not occur again.

And he said the Australian Federal Police made all resources available to WA Police to make the rescue happen.

“God forbid it ever does but we know the risks are very real, every parent does,” he said.

Missing girl Cleo Smith, 4.
Camera IconMissing girl Cleo Smith, 4. Credit: Facebook / Ellie Smith/Facebook / Ellie Smith

“We have extraordinary people who work in the AFP and the capabilities they have … I won’t go into the specifics of this case.

“(But) everything that was available through the AFP was available to be used. I congratulate the West Australian state police - they’ve done a tremendous job.”

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