It was incredible The moment WA police found missing girl Cleo Smith

On Wednesday he told reporters they had hoped for a positive outcome in the case "but were not prepared for it".

"To see her sitting there in the way that she was, it was incredible," Mr Western said.

He said he asked what her name was three times before she eventually responded: 'my name is Cleo.'

"And that was it. Then we turned around and walked out of the house.

"Not long after that, I got into the car and the officer I was with, he called Cleo's parents. It was a wonderful feeling to make that call."

Mr Western described her as an "energiser bunny", who was "very sweet" and "very trusting... and open with us."

"We all wanted to take turns holding her. It was a really good experience," he said.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told reporters "[WA police] never gave up hope. Cleo's parents never gave up hope"

"It's a wonderful day ... the nation is rejoicing," he said. 

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson says officers will remain here in Carnarvon for another 1-2 weeks to continue investigations, after four officers entered a home at 1am this morning and found Cleo alive.

Describes himself as “the proudest” police commissioner in the world pic.twitter.com/eP5BY2elXj

He thanked the public and the police force, saying "for those of you that have been hoping, wishing, and praying ... it's a day we all hoped for". 

"She's alive, she's safe and she's back with mum and dad."

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Mr Dawson confirmed a 36-year-old man was in custody and assisting police with their enquiries.

WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said authorities had received more than 1,000 calls from community members providing information on Cleo's disappearance, which happened on 16 October.

"Cleo's rescue wasn't the result of a sighting, a suspicious event, it was the result of hard police grind," Mr Papalia said.

"If you feel the need to thank God today, thank God for the West Australian Police Force."

'A moment for great joy'

Following a tip-off late on Tuesday night, police raided a Carnarvon home and found the four-year-old alone, locked in a house, two weeks after she vanished from her family's tent at the Blowholes campsite.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that he was relieved she was found.

"[It's] every parent's worst nightmare. The fact that that nightmare has come to an end and our worst fears were not realised, is just a huge relief and a moment for great joy," Mr Morrison told reporters.

"This particular case, obviously, has captured the hearts of Australians as we felt such terrible sorrow for the family.

"I want to thank, particularly, all of the police and all of those who were involved in making sure that Cleo is safe. We are so thankful. Thank you so much for what you have done."

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