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

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”