Cleo Smith's family is 'whole again' after the four-year-old was saved from a locked house
Relieved loved ones have released an emotional statement thanking police for the incredible rescue 18 days after she was abducted.
Mum Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon were 'humbled' by the huge response to Cleo's terrifying disappearance from a remote campsite in Australia.
Police discovered the youngster more than two weeks later in a locked house Carnarvon during the early hours of Wednesday morning, reports The Mirror.
Detectives, acting off a tip and extensive police work, broke down a locked door inside his home where they found Cleo in a well-lit room playing with toy.
In a recording of the rescue, she could be heard telling the officers: "My name is Cleo."
Now her family are 'so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms.'
It reads: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith.
"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.
"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."
Terence Darrell Kelly, 36, appeared before a magistrate on Thursday charged with forcibly taking a child under the age of 16.
He did not enter a plea.
Kelly, in handcuffs and with chains around his legs, was surrounded by police as he was put on board the plane for Perth.
He will be kept in a high security prison until his next court appearance in December.
Barefooted and wearing shorts, he seemed to wink at the cameras before heading up the stairs into the plane.
The moment that Kelly was arrested by police was filmed on Tuesday night in dashcam footage from a taxi.
He could be seen being pulled over by officers and pinned to the ground.
Cameron Blaine, one of the officers who helped rescue Cleo, said she appeared to be in good spirits.
“I can only see her from the outside. But from that point of view, I’m amazed that she seems to be so well-adjusted and happy,” he said on Thursday, reported 7NEWS
Locals have described Kelly as a "loner" who lived in a well-known government housing precinct.
