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Police investigating whether Cleo Smith’s abductor visited her home

Helena BurkeNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: ABC

Forensic officers are at the home of Cleo Smith’s mother searching the property for any potential evidence that may help police crack the mysterious case.

The officers are reportedly looking for signs of a break-in, and for evidence of anyone lurking around the vicinity in the days leading up to Cleo’s disappearance.

A green spray to detect fingerprints could be seen on the fence line, while a forensic van was parked outside the house with police ready to collect any evidence they find.

Cleo and her mother Ellie lived in the small coastal town of Carnarvon on Western Australia’s northern coast before the four-year-old went missing last Saturday.

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Between 10 and 20 registered sex offenders live in the Carnarvon area but police said this week that there were no suspects.

Four-year-old Cleo Smith has now been missing for a week. James Carmody / ABC
Camera IconFour-year-old Cleo Smith has now been missing for a week. James Carmody / ABC Credit: ABC
Carnarvon. Picture: Shire of Carnarvon
Camera IconPolice are now searching Cleo Smith’s home in the coastal town of Carnarvon on WA’s north coast. Shire of Carnarvon Credit: Supplied

Cleo disappeared from her family’s tent at the coastal Blowholes Campground in Macleod, near Carnarvon, and was reported missing about 6am last Saturday.

After a week of searching the rugged terrain for the preschooler, police confirmed it was likely she had been taken from the tent.

The tent zip had been opened higher than Cleo could have reached. Her sleeping bag was also missing.

Detectives have revealed there are still witnesses from the crime scene who are yet to come forward.

Police believe there are people who were staying at the campsite who have not identified themselves and are urging the mystery campers to make contact.

Authorities have now ceased their search of the campsite area and are appealing to the wider community for help in locating the missing girl.

A message is being broadcast across stations in WA imploring residents with any information to come forward to assist police.

“This is an urgent announcement from WA Police Force, police need your help to find Cleo Smith,” the announcement said.

“In the early hours of Saturday the 16th of October, little Cleo vanished from her tent at the Blowholes, near Carnarvon.

“Now the state government is offering $1 million reward. Can you help find her?

“The four-year-old was wearing a Pink onesie. She was wrapped in a sleeping bag. Now she’s gone.

“Please help us find her. Any information, call Crime Stoppers.”

Supplied
Camera IconPolice are urging for information from the wider community that may help locate Cleo. WA Police Credit: Supplied

Police are asking anyone who was within a 1000km radius of the Blowholes campsite to send through any dashcam and security footage they have.

Footage of motel check-in and communal areas, service stations, fast food outlets and bakeries, truck stops and camping areas, children’s clothing stores, pharmacies and cosmetic and camping store are particularly important.

The requested footage or image should be from 6pm on Friday October 15 to 6pm on Sunday October 17.

Footage can be uploaded online or discussed with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with other information is urged to call police on 131 444.

Originally published as Police investigating whether Cleo Smith’s abductor visited her home

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