Fears of tough road ahead for Cleo Smith after ‘enormous trauma’ of 2 week ordeal – World News
Western Australia Police have confirmed Cleo Smith, 4, was physically unharmed – but any psychological and emotional effects remain unknown
A security officer carrying Cleo to safety (
Image: via REUTERS)
A forensic psychologist has said he expects Cleo Smith could suffer “enormous” psychological trauma after her 18-day kidnap ordeal.
Four-year-old Cleo went missing from an Australian outback campsite more than two weeks ago.
In an incredible breakthrough, she was found by police in a locked house on Wednesday and has been returned safely to her parents.
Western Australia Police have confirmed Cleo was physically unharmed – but any psychological and emotional effects remain unknown.
“She is physically OK. That was evident from the start,” said state police homicide squad Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine, who was one of four people to rescue the child.
Cleo Smith was missing for more than two weeks
“Taking her to the hospital we got assurance of that from people that know what they are doing.”
Forensic psychologist Tim Watson-Munro told the Nine Network’s Today Show: “It is just wonderful news, with a result, frankly, none of us really expected.”
But he added: “Of course, we don’t know about the psychological trauma, which I suspect will be enormous.”
Cleo has been checked out in hospital and police say she is physically OK
(
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Mr Watson-Munro has worked on some of the country’s most notorious crimes, according to the Daily Mail.
He said police had been meticulous and thorough in their investigation and pointed out the investigation hasn’t ceased after finding the child.
Cleo Smith’s mother Ellie Smith and her partner Jake Gliddon speaking about her disappearance
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Image:
JAMES CARMODY/ABC NEWS POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Footage released by police showed the moment the girl was carried out of the house, her arms around a policeman.
After introducing himself, an officer asked her: “Are you OK? We are going to take you to see your Mummy and Daddy, OK? Is that good?” to which she smiled and nodded.
A team of 140 people had been working on the case with police fielding more than 1,000 tips from the public.
A 36-year-old man has been taken into custody in relation to the disappearance.
Police said the abduction appeared to have been opportunistic and they expected to file charges later in the day.
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