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Cleo Smith search: Premier Mark McGowan commends tireless search crews at The Blowholes

Staff writersThe West Australian
Premier Mark McGowan has commended the efforts of search crews.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan has commended the efforts of search crews. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Mark McGowan has commended the tireless efforts of search crews looking for four-year-old Cleo Smith in harsh conditions today.

With the desperate effort to find the little girl in its fourth day, crews have been struggling against wild weather conditions, which temporarily brought the search at The Blowholes to a halt earlier today.

Mr McGowan today recognised the work of those who have returned to scouring the land and ocean for Cleo in the Carnarvon area.

“I’d like to start by acknowledging the work our police are doing in the Gascoyne as they continue their search for missing four year old Cleo Smith,” he said.

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Four-year-old Cleo Smith has been missing since Saturday.
Camera IconFour-year-old Cleo Smith has been missing since Saturday. Credit: Ellie Smith/Facebook

“Our thoughts are with Cleo’s family during what is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for them and for everyone involved.”

The Premier said it was a devastating situation and, like everyone, he hoped for a happy outcome.

“To every officer and volunteer involved in search can I say thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Smith family.

“To Cleo’s family and on behalf of West Australians, we are thinking of you at this difficult time.”

SES crews at the scene yesterday.
Camera IconSES crews at the scene yesterday. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian

It comes as WA Police issued a national appeal for information relating to Cleo’s disappearance from the Blowholes Campsite on Saturday morning.

Inspector Jon Munday sold Sunrise this morning that one of the scenarios investigators were considering was that “Cleo has been taken, and has been removed from the area”.

“It’s three days down the track now, she potentially could be anywhere,” he said before revealing authorities’ grave concerns had led them to notify interstate police agencies.

“We’re calling for the public’s assistance anywhere. We’re keen to get this messaging out nationally to anybody,” he said.

“She could be anywhere by now which is really concerning.

“That’s why time is really of the essence here and we’re throwing everything we can at it.”

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