Read the video transcript here
Policeman: “Good morning, I'm Cameron, how are you? How do you get to mom and dad now, okay? "
Parents' relief: Four-year-old Cleo Smith is alive and well.
On Wednesday morning, police released her from a locked house in the coastal town of Carnarvon, Western Australia.
Eighteen days ago, she was apparently kidnapped from the family tent at a campsite about 70 kilometers away.
The officer who found them describes the moment:
Cameron Blaine, Police Commissioner: “I wanted to make absolutely sure it was her and asked, What's your name? She didn't answer and I asked again. Again she didn't answer and I asked again. Then she looked at me and said: My name is Cleo. So we took her out of the house and got in the car. Shortly thereafter, the family liaison officer, Hutchinson, called her parents next to me and said, We have someone here who would like to speak to you. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to make this call. "
A 36-year-old suspect with no family ties has been arrested and is currently being interviewed.
The police had advertised a reward of one million Australian dollars, about 650,000 euros, for advice on the whereabouts of the child.
A hundred police officers were looking for the girl, and numerous volunteers combed the bushland for possible clues.
The Prime Minister of Western Australia praised the tireless help of the citizens.
A crucial clue about a car had finally led the investigators to find the right house.