Missing person posters replaced with pink balloons in celebration of Cleo Smiths return – WAtoday

It was pretty good news waking up this morning, he said.

And have a few beers this arvo to celebrate happy days.

Elsewhere, one local encouraged everyone to buy a balloon and fly it on their mailbox or in trees to support the police and Cleos parents and friends.

The Carnarvon community have welcomed Cleo home by displaying pink balloons outside homes and businesses.Credit:Soph Nelson

People as far as Mandurah, almost 1000 kilometres south of Carnarvon, rejoiced in the good news. A Honk 4 Cleo sign there sparked plenty of horns as vehicles passed.

The original missing persons photo of Cleo her hair in pigtails, wearing a light pink dress has now been replaced with the remarkable images of the four-year-old smiling and waving at the camera in hospital after she was rescued.

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Owners of small Carnarvon business The Papershop Girls said the photo melts everyones hearts, and were all so thankful shes home in your arms.

Huge thanks to the WA Police, SES, and every business that supported in some way big or small, they said.

What a fantastic community we have.

Many people also commended Cleos parents for their courage.

You have continually held your heads high through everything that has been said and done, one person wrote on Facebook.

We are all so happy for you and Cleo.

To all WAPOL officers, you guys and girls are the best. Thank you for not giving up on Cleo.

A found sticker is slapped across a missing person sign for Cleo Smith at the front of the Carnarvon police station.Credit:Peter de Kruijff

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson thanked Cleos family and the town of Carnarvon who made her rescue possible.

We had volunteers, we had the SES, we had the army, we had private companies everyone wanted to achieve what actually some never thought would happen, he said.

I really want to extend my thanks to all who have been searching, those that have sent well wishes the police station is full of flowers and chocolates already.

The chalk board outside the Carnarvon Hotel celebrates the return of Cleo Smith.Credit:Peter de Kruijff

I just really want to reinforce my thanks to all of Western Australia, indeed Australia, and Ive already had messages across the country from police and indeed those across the world.

Police arrested a 36-year-old Carnarvon man on Wednesday after finding him in a separate location to where Cleo was found. The Commissioner would not elaborate on the arrest.

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Missing person posters replaced with pink balloons in celebration of Cleo Smiths return - WAtoday