Police in Western Australia have released footage of the moment four-year-old Cleo Smith was rescued by officials after allegedly being abducted 18 days prior.
Cleo had been missing since October 16 and is believed to have been snatched by a stranger during a family camping trip.
Investigators found the little girl alive and well after smashing their way into a locked house in Carnarvon - just a seven-minute drive from her family's home.
Check out the moment Cleo Smith is rescued by police after going missing for more than two weeks:In the short video taken at night time, Cleo is seen being carried by a police officer in a hat and a hoodie as she is greeted by one of the investigators.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine says to the youngster in the clip: "Cleo, my name's Cameron, how are you? Are you okay? We're going to take you to see your mommy and daddy, OK? Is that good?"
Cleo is seen nodding in response to the questions but does not appear to say anything to the detective.
Per The Guardian, the WA police minister, Paul Papalia, said of the four-year-old's rescue: "If you feel the need to thank God today, thank God for the West Australian police force.
"Cleo's rescue wasn't the result of an accidental sighting or a suspicious event, it was the result of hard police grind from the moment this incident began."
WA police commissioner, Chris Dawson added: "To find a little girl, a vulnerable little girl, after 18 days, you know, obviously people think the worst, but importantly, hope was never lost. The fact she’s been found alive … I think Australia is rejoicing, you know, it is such a wonderful outcome."
Authorities have confirmed that the male suspect in Cleo's alleged abduction had no connection to the four-year-old's family and only became a suspect the day before she was found.
Per The Independent, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison described the discovery of Cleo as "a huge relief".
He added: "The fact that that nightmare has come to an end and our worst fears were not realized, is just a huge relief and a moment for great joy."
