The police miracle

12.46am, 3rd November, 2021:

In the middle of the night in a house in Carnarvon, just 7 minutes away from the Smith family home, police barge their way into a locked house. 

The lights are off, except for one room. They enter, and what they find is a miracle.

A little girl, sitting down playing with toys.

One detective scoops her up into his arms, while Detective senior sergeant Cameron Blaine asks the little girl her name - three times. On the third question, she answers:

“My name is Cleo.”

This is the case which Brough seasoned homicide detectives to tears. Happy tears. A lot of them, parents themselves, never stopped trying to find the four-year-old.

In this episode, hear how the incredible rescue unfolded from those who were there, as well as those we’ve spoken to along the way.

From the police minister who was woken in the middle of the night by the deputy police commissioner, to the reporter who ran out of his room in his boxers to wake up his colleague. Everyone has a story, and almost everyone will remember where they were when they found out Cleo Smith had been found alive.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on that night, and has since been charged with kidnapping. Now, WA watches as the court process continues.

Join Host Natalie Bonjolo, with regular guest Kristin Shorten, as well as 7 News reporter Ben Downie and Flashpoint host Tim McMillan as they take you through the incredible rescue of Cleo Smith.

Thank you for joining us on this 18-day journey. My Name is Cleo will be back with court updates. In the meantime, for more on Cleo Smith head to thewest.com.au/cleo and perthnow.com.au 

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