'Disgusting' attack on Cleo Smith's family revealed by friends
The devastated parents of missing Cleo Smith are being targeted by "disgusting" online trolls, a friend of the family revealed on Friday.
Almost two weeks have passed since Cleo disappeared from her family's tent at the remote Blowholes campsite on WA's northwest coast.
Investigators believe she was abducted in the early hours of October 16.
As the search for the four-year-old continues, Cleo’s mum Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon have pleaded on social media for her safe return.
Despite police confirming that Ms Smith and Mr Gliddon are not suspects in Cleo’s disappearance, a family friend told Perth Now the couple are being subject to vile comments on their Facebook pages.
The unnamed friend called the abusive posts an "utter disgrace".
"Most of the Facebook comments are being made by parents themselves and I think that’s disgusting," he told the publication.
"Just imagine if it happened to them and they had to read all these horrible comments during undoubtedly the hardest time of their lives.
"The police have cleared Jake and Ellie from being suspects. I have known them for years and I can tell you they are the best people I know, and my heart aches for them."
The family friend called for “those sitting behind their keyboards” to leave the couple alone.
Police have in recent days made at least three visits to Cleo's family home in Carnarvon and collected samples from a campfire at the Blowholes site.
On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde, who is leading the taskforce of more than 100 officers investigating Cleo's disappearance, flew to Carnarvon to examine the campsite and meet with her mum and stepdad.
"They're co-operating. That is part of what we do in major investigations of this nature," he said.
"Understandably, they're upset. It's been a difficult time for them. Fortunately they're looked after by family and friends... Given the circumstances, they're holding up."
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Investigation into Cleo’s disappearance progressing
Western Australian police say their investigation into the disappearance of the four-year-old is progressing and they are confident of a resolution.
The taskforce is yet to publicly identify any suspects but Supt Wilde said he was confident answers would soon be found.
"We've been back there obviously conducting some forensic work and other investigations," he told local reporters.
"The investigation is progressing. We are hopeful, very hopeful and confident that we're going to resolve it."
More than 100 people who were at the Blowholes on the night Cleo disappeared have been interviewed, with police confident they have accounted for the majority of those who may have been present at the vast campsite.
Authorities have also received more than 200 reports of possible sightings of Cleo.
"Unfortunately all of those obviously have proved unfruitful ... it wasn't Cleo," Supt Wilde said.
"But again I want to thank the public for calling that information in, and that's been national as well."
Police are still yet to hear from the driver of a car seen leaving the campsite about two hours after Cleo was last seen in her family's tent.
Anyone who was in that vehicle is being urged to contact police.
With AAP
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