UK NEWS
MISSING SCHOOLGIRL SHANNON FOUND SAFE AND WELL
Shannon has been found alive and well
By Nicola McCafferty for express.co.uk
MISSING schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has been found alive.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abduction. It is understood that he is related to Shannon's stepfather.
Police found Shannon in the base of a divan bed in a council estate flat just one mile from her home.
They were forced to break down the door after the owner of a flat - a man who lived on his own - would not let them enter.
*********** VIDEO: SNIFFER DOGS HUNT FOR SHANNON ***********
The nine-year-old was found 24 days after going missing by West Yorkshire police in Lidgate Gardens in the Batley Carr area of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
Amanda Hyett, Shannon's Aunt, said Karen Matthews
had been driven away by police from the family home shortly before 2pm to be reunited with her daughter.
A neighbour who lived in the same street where Shannon was found
suggested that the man who occupied the flat had his own children who had been
taken into care.
She added: “We haven’t seen him for two or three years. But apparently he’s come back.”
******** VIDEO: SHANNON'S MUM MAKES DESPERATE PLEA *******
The woman, who lives downstairs from him, tipped off police after
hearing footsteps. She did not know whether police arrested the man or
not.
Shannon's father Leon said today he was "extremely grateful" that his daughter had been found.
He said: "I thank everyone who has helped.
"I wasn't going to give up until she was found."
West Yorkshire Police released a statement saying: “As part of ongoing investigations, detectives and specialist search officers attended a house at Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, Dewsbury, at 12.30pm this afternoon.
“During a search of the house, officers located Shannon Matthews who was found concealed in the base of a divan bed.
“A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of abduction at the address and is currently in custody at a West Yorkshire police station.
“Shannon is currently in the care of West Yorkshire Police.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Shannon was last seen on CCTV footage over three weeks ago leaving the local swimming pool on 19 February.
This week mother Karen Matthews spoke out of her fears that Shannon had been abducted by someone close to the family.
The police have said the operation was the biggest missing person's case it had undertaken since the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper.
********* READ THE AMAZING STORY OF SHANNON MATTHEWS **********
I AM DELIGHTED THIS CASE HAD A HAPPY ENDING......
15.03.08, 4:20pm
I only hope now that this family can get back to some sort of normality and that little Shannon recovers from whatever it was that she endured fully and speedily.
Does anybody know what happened to poor Mari Luz. I am aware that she was found drowned near her home but was it accidently or something far more sinister?
• Posted by: lrcurran • Report Comment
JAKILA
15.03.08, 11:29am
yes i agree, the abuse the mccans recieved was terrible, no wonder they stopped the forum, it does no good to speculate about things, it is wise to wait and sit things out, time will tell.
in my heart i still pray that little maddie is alive.
• Posted by: janetc1 • Report Comment
JANETC1
15.03.08, 9:14am
I have reported you to The Daily Express. I am not accustomed to the string of abuse that I have had at your hands.
• Posted by: Agog • Report Comment
GREAT NEWS
15.03.08, 1:13am
Thankfully this little girl has been found alive, if true about the neighbour alerting the police, she deserves a medal as big as a frying pan!
Betty & janet, I don't think this case can be related to the Madeleine one in any way.
The only reason I and maybe others didn't comment on the other Shannon threads, was because of the abuse which was hurled at the McCanns, when a normal view point was made about the headline.
I have never wanted Shannons family to be given that and have therefor only commented now, when this great news has been given.
• Posted by: jakirla • Report Comment
SHANNON
15.03.08, 12:46am
goodnight everyone,and god bless
she is alive,
we will find out more!!
• Posted by: janetc1 • Report Comment
MARTHA
15.03.08, 12:12am
Hi. I cannot disagree with what you say at all.
Its just I cant help questioning the reasoning behind the order. Usually these are used in cases where a child is in danger of being placed in immediate harm.
Shannon has a lot of councelling, questioning and trauma to go through in relaying what happened, if anything. Therefore, as this is such a terrifying experience in itself, would it not be best if her Mother were there for her?
If she could be, they could have arranged alternative accomm for a few days/weeks. After all what Shannon wanted would be paramount. To spirit a child away from her parents after such an ordeal surely would be utter cruelty.
Why would they not allow them to be together?
The questioning will be done slowly and softly, not a case of 24 hours and ship her out again. Such a lengthy process, and yet under the care of the Police and S/Services?
I do not wish to accuse anyone of anything, but I sincerely believe that this is not just a case of getting the facts and protecting Shannon from the chaos.
The most human thing in the world to have done is to let the poor mite be with her family if thats what she would have wanted. Unless something very serious had come out of the investigation, which I doubt as the other children are still there.
I suspect Shannon does not want to go home. I hope I am wrong and that she will return and hopefully live a happier life with her parents.
But then on the other hand, if I am wrong, it means she has been held against her will, and that is ten times worse than my scenario.
Time will tell. But thank god shes alive.
• Posted by: betty • Report Comment
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