Suspect in Cleo Smith's disappearance photographed in back of ambulance
Images have emerged of the man suspected of involvement in the disappearance of four-year-old WA girl Cleo Smith.
Cleo was reunited with her family on Wednesday after police found her alive locked in a home in Carnarvon not far from where her family lives.
It ended an ordeal which nearly lasted three weeks after Cleo went missing from a Blowholes campsite on October 16. There was a tearful reunion for Cleo and her family on Wednesday.
A 36-year-old man remains in police custody.
A photo taken by 7News Perth shows the man in the back of an ambulance under a sheet. He appears to have a bandage around his head.
First photo of happy Cleo Smith after being rescued from locked house
The five-word reaction from Cleo Smith’s mum after little girl found
Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde said the man was not on the sex offender registry. Police interviewed a number of sex offenders during the investigation.
“We don't suspect anyone else was involved,” he said.
Supt Wilde said Cleo’s kidnapping appears to be "opportunistic" and the man being questioned has no connection to her family. He could not confirm if the man was known to local police.
The man only became a suspect on Tuesday, he said.
A neighbour told Channel Seven's Sunrise the man had been seen buying nappies at Woolworths but does not have children.
The man is yet to be charged.
Incredible footage shows moment Cleo was rescued
On Wednesday evening, video was released showing the moment Cleo was rescued by police officers in the early hours of the morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine was one of four officers on the scene who came to the aid of the four year old.
In body cam vision shared by police, Cleo is seen being held and comforted by a police officer. She has her arms wrapped around him. Other officers are on the scene with a fence behind them shrouded in darkness.
Det Sgt Blaine calmly introduces himself to Cleo, and asks how she's doing.
“Good,” she says.
“Are you OK?” the detective asks.
Cleo nods.
“We’re going to take you to see your mummy and daddy,” he tells her. "Is that good?"
Cleo nods again.
Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde said police were in tears after finding her.
"We all cried," he said.
"It was an amazing moment."
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