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The most important thing is the well-being of the missing person

“Our investigation continues at this time because we have far more questions than answers,” Barkley told a news conference. “And we want answers to make sure that we can identify where she went to, why she went there, who she may or may not have been with … and of course ensure that nothing untoward may have happened to the child while she was away.”

Barkley also clarified details that had emerged in previous police communications throughout the day.

Police previously reported that the girl had last been seen in bed, clad in grey pyjama bottoms and a green and white pyjama top. They indicated that she had gone missing some time between then and 7:40 a.m., when police were first summoned to the home where she lived with her mother.

Barkley said the girl’s absence was in fact first noticed around 5 a.m.

He also contradicted previous police information that the girl had gone missing without a coat and shoes, saying she was “dressed appropriately for the weather” when she was found shortly before 1 p.m.

Barkley said the girl was examined by paramedics and is in good condition.

“We’re always relieved to find that a child has been located safely,” he said. “The most important thing is the well-being of the missing person.”

We want answers

He said prior to the arrests of the two women that police were not seeking any suspects in relation to her disappearance from the home and said there was no public safety concern, but emphasized that the investigation was ongoing. The Children’s Aid Society has been contacted in relation to the case, he added.