Cleo Smith search: Police and family leave Blowholes campsite as land search for missing girl ends

Caitlin Law-Davis and Brianna DuganThe West Australian
VideoWATCH NOW: In Up Late tonight, Ben Harvey has important insight on Cleo Smith’s disappearance –what police are saying, and what they really mean.

Police have left the Blowholes campground where Cleo Smith was believed to be abducted, and have re-opened the site.

Cleo’s family have also left the campsite, and police have packed up all remaining resources in the area, bringing the land search to an end.

Police are still actively looking for the four-year-old and police resources will remain in Carnarvon to leave no stone unturned in the case.

Camera IconPolice at Perth Airport. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

Assistant Commissioner Col Blanch on Thursday said the land search would be called off, and the taskforce would continue.

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This comes as police were seen arriving at Perth airport from Carnarvon on Friday afternoon carrying multiple bags, possibly containing evidence surrounding the search.

Camera IconAerial view of the Blowholes Campsite. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Officers were called back from the search as authorities focus instead on a possible abduction.

Cleo was last seen at 1.30am on Saturday in her family’s tent at the Blowholes campsite near Carnarvon.

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A $1 million reward has been offered in the case, with police on Friday asking for video and dashcam footage from anyone within a 1000 kilometre radius of the campsite, as far south as Lancelin.

Police are especially interested in any vision taken from:

  • Motel check-ins and communal areas
  • Service stations
  • Truck stops and free camping areas
  • Fast food outlets and bakeries
  • Children’s clothing stores
  • Pharmacies and cosmetic stores
  • Camping stores

Cleo’s mother Ellie has made several pleas through social media, taking to Instagram to say: “My Princess, where are you”, “I love you, I miss you” and “Please come home to me.”

Anyone with footage that may assist the investigation can upload it via this link: https://wapf.au.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/cleosmith

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