$1m reward for Cleo
A $1M reward is on offer to help solve the mystery disappearance of Cleo Smith, as police confirm they suspect the four-year-old girl was abducted.
Cleo was staying in a tent with her family at the coastal Blowholes Campground in Macleod, near Carnarvon in Western Australia’s north, when she was reported missing about 6am on Saturday.
Premier Mark McGowan said the circumstances surrounding her disappearance had caused police to believe it was suspicious.
He said the reward would be paid for information that resulted in finding Cleo, or leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was involved in her disappearance.
“All Western Australians’ thoughts are with Cleo’s family during what is an unimaginably difficult time,” Mr McGowan said.
“We’re all praying for a positive outcome. We want to ensure police have everything they need to solve this case and that’s why my government has no hesitation in supporting police with this reward offer.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Col Blanch said there had already been an extensive land, sea and air search, and police had now established a special taskforce of more than 100 officers. “Her disappearance strikes at the heart of West
Australians, and I’m here today to provide assurance to the community that everything that can be done is being done,” he said.
“For six days, they’ve been out there.
“There’s been a lot of anguish and I know there’s been a huge outpouring of grief in the community.”
Taskforce leader, Superintendent Rod Wilde, said police were hopeful of finding Cleo alive but held “grave fears” for her safety.
“Given the information now that we’ve gleaned from the scene, the fact that search has gone on for this period of time, when we haven’t been able to locate her … that leads us to believe that she was taken from the tent,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Cleo’s heartbroken mother Ellie Smith took to social media to plead for information.
“My sweet girl, come home to me,” Ms Smith wrote.
“If anyone sees anything at all, please call the police.”