The Western Australia Police Force have come under fire for sharing a photo of Cleo Smith in hospital following her miracle rescue. 

Critics argue sharing the photo wasn’t in the family’s best interest, but rather, is self-serving for the police media.

Sofie Formica said she’s “really glad” the photo went online.

“They completely [diffused] anybody trying to get the first photo of that little girl,” she said.

“We know that would be a really valuable photograph to any news organisation, to any paparazzi photographer to get photographs of her – particularly the first.

“Didn’t it mean that we all sort of put that to rest?”

Press PLAY below to hear Sofie’s comments in full

Image: WA Police Force / Twitter