One-year-old girl found safe at Dubbo police station as questions remain over her disappearance from NSW town more than 100km away
However questions remain about who took the child - and why.
One-year-old Hariet Kamlade disappeared from the small town of Molong, around 35km northwest of Orange in the NSW central west, late Tuesday afternoon.
Her last known sighting was on Ridell Street at approximately 5pm.
NSW Police immediately launched a desperate effort to locate the child, raising serious concerns for her safety due to a health condition requiring ongoing medical attention.
Authorities believed she may have been in the company of a man and a woman known to her.
The search stretched across the state, with detectives fearing the child's condition could deteriorate without urgent access to her medication.
Late on Wednesday night, police confirmed Kamlade had been found alive and unharmed, more than 100 kilometres away.
'A toddler reported missing from Molong in the state's central west has been found safe and well,' NSW Police confirmed in a late-night statement.
'Officers attached to Orana Western Police District report that the child was taken to Dubbo Police Station around 11pm today (Wednesday).'
Dubbo, located 115km north of Molong, became the unexpected final stop in the frantic effort to find the young girl.
Police had earlier described a man they believed was travelling with the child as being in his 60s, of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, with a medium build, short grey hair and brown eyes. The woman was said to be in her 30s, also Caucasian, about 170cm tall, thin build, with black hair and brown eyes.
Despite Hariet being found unharmed, police have not yet ruled out criminal involvement.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the two adults were located alongside her at the time she was taken to Dubbo Police Station.
'Inquiries surrounding the incident are ongoing,' police said.
The circumstances of how Kamlade came to be taken from Molong remains under investigation, with detectives expected to question individuals known to the family.
NSW Police have asked anyone with further information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
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