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Cleo Smith search: Detectives visit little girl’s family home in Carnarvon with stepdad Jake Gliddon

Brianna DuganThe West Australian
VideoNew lead in Cleo Smith investigation after police seize CCTV

Forensic officers and detectives returned to Cleo Smith’s South Carnarvon home on Tuesday afternoon, this time turning their focus to the inside of the property.

It came as the forensic team also returned to the Blowholes Campsite where little Cleo went missing.

The officers were led into the family home by Cleo’s stepfather, Jake Gliddon.

Detectives spent several minutes inside the house with him, before Mr Gliddon and the detectives all left in separate cars.

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Police Forensics return to the family home of Cleo Smith.
Camera IconPolice Forensics return to the family home of Cleo Smith. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Arriving about 2.30pm, forensic officers wore masks and gloves as they searched the inside of the property, as the desperate search for the little girl spanned into its 11th day.

They had spent four hours at the scene before emerging about 6.30pm, taking with them evidence bags and what appeared to be a large duffel bag.

Four officers grouped together outside the forensic van talking for several minutes, while other officers locked the door.

Taking off their masks, the officers then loaded the collected bags from the house into the van. It is unclear what they contained.

Police Forensics leave the family home of Cleo Smith.
Camera IconPolice Forensics leave the family home of Cleo Smith. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

The officers remained at the scene late on Tuesday evening.

It is understood to be the first time the inside of the home has been forensically examined for clues, with investigators focusing on the outside of the home on Saturday, specifically the fence line and windows, believed to be scouring for evidence of a stalker.

However, Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde said the search was standard practice as part of a thorough investigation and that there was “no evidence” of stalking. Police also do not consider Cleo’s parents as in any way involved in the four-year-old’s vanishing.

The West Australian did not see any items being bagged for evidence.

Police return to the family home of Cleo Smith. (Pictured with Jake Gliddon).
Camera IconPolice return to the family home of Cleo Smith. (Pictured with Jake Gliddon). Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Neighbour kids rode up and down the street watching as the commotion of forensic police searching unfolded.

The windows and blinds were closed.

A few neighbours popped their heads out to see what was happening before going back inside.

It was understood to be the first time Mr Gliddon has returned to the family home after Cleo’s tragic disappearance — believed to be an abduction.

In an interview with 7NEWS’ Flashpoint on Monday, the couple said they struggled with the thought of returning home without Cleo.

Ms Smith said the family had someone looking after their dog, who was “lost without her best friend as much as we are without our daughter”.

Police return to the family home of Cleo Smith. (Jake Gliddon pictured).
Camera IconPolice return to the family home of Cleo Smith. (Jake Gliddon pictured). Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Premier Mark McGowan has urged anyone with knowledge about the disappearance of Cleo Smith to come forward — or face living with the guilt.

“If people can find Cleo and bring her home to her family, the reward is there,” he said.

“We all would hate to think that we had some knowledge that could have saved the life of a little girl and we didn't pass it on.

“So just pass on whatever you have in your knowledge, and you could be in receipt of a million dollars but more importantly, you could save the life of a little girl.”

Police have confirmed that despite speculation, they do not have CCTV of the vehicle seen leaving the blowholes area around the time of Cleo’s disappearance.

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