SHANNON MATTHEWS 9 - Dewsbury, Yorkshire (UK) - 19/02/08

MERLYNSAM

Yorkshire Evening Post

14th March 2008

SHANNON FOUND: Live updates 4.10pm

4.10pm - Leon Rose, Shannon's dad, says he is 'over the moon' and wants to thank everyone for their help in finding his daughter.

3.52pm - Peter Brown, who lives in Shannon's road, said he was the first one to tell Karen Matthews that her daughter was alive.

He said: "She just froze. She was in shock. Then her reaction was crying.
"After that, she had a phone call from the police liaison officer. They came to pick her up, Karen and Craig both left the house together.

"We're going to have a party tonight."

3.40pm - Family friend Peter Brown says Shannon's mum Karen was delighted and shocked that her daughter was alive.

3.38pm - Conservative leader David Cameron said he was "delighted" to hear that Shannon had been found alive.
Speaking to reporters at his party's spring forum in Gateshead, Mr Cameron said: "I just feel huge relief on behalf of Shannon and her family.
"It is wonderful news that she's been found alive and, I hope, well.
"So often in these cases, you wait and you wait and then you hear tragic and awful news. All of us were thinking that was maybe what might happen and it is great that she is alive."

3.36pm - A large area of Batley Carr had been sealed off by police, with police tape surrounding one long terrace of houses in Lidgate Gardens.
The back door of number 26 had been kicked in by police and the doorframe was hanging off.

3.16pm - Everyone at Shannon's school, Westmoor Junior School, was celebrating news of her discovery.
Head teacher, Krystyna Piatkowski, told the YEP: "Myself, the staff, the pupils and everyone at the school are delighted and relieved that Shannon has been found."

3.14pm - Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann, said they were "delighted" that Shannon had been found alive and said the news gave them hope.

Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "Kate and Gerry are aware that she has been found alive. They feel that is excellent news, they are delighted that she is alive.

"They will not comment more until they know the full circumstances. Suffice to say that they will keep on looking until they have a happy resolution in Madeleine's case.

"It proves that children can go missing for whatever reason and still be found alive. "Until Kate and Gerry know what has happened to Madeleine, there will always be hope for them that she too will be found alive.

"They will keep on looking as long as there is hope."

3.12pm - One local resident says: "She looked OK, there didn't seem to be any physical marks on her.

"You could tell she was scared, though, there was something in her face.

"The police put her in a car and drove her away.

"About five minutes later the cops dragged a man out and put him in a van."

3.11pm - A statement from West Yorkshire Police reads: "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."

3.09pm - A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abduction at the address in Lidgate Gardens, the force said.

3.08pm - Missing nine-year-old Shannon Matthews was found in the base of a divan bed in Batley Carr, West Yorkshire police said today.

2.55pm - A neighbour said rumours in the street suggested that the man who occupied the flat where Shannon was found lived alone and had children who had been taken into care.
She said: "We haven't seen him for two or three years. But apparently he's come back."
The woman who lives downstairs from him tipped off police after hearing footsteps, she said.
The neighbour did not know whether police arrested the man.

2.52pm - Police smashed their way into a flat in Lidgate Gardens in Batley Carr and emerged carrying Shannon, neighbours said.
The young girl looked "quite calm" and officers confirmed that she was OK.
A local resident, who did not want to give her name, said: "One of my neighbours heard banging.

"When he went outside, police were breaking the door down - the man wouldn't come out so they broke in.

"Apparently they found her in bed. He said she was quite calm. Police carried her out.

"My neighbour asked, 'is it Shannon?" and the policeman just said, 'yes' and said she was OK."

2.50pm - Relative Victoria Saunders confirmed the good news to reporters.

2.48pm - Shannon's aunt Amanda Hyett said: "We've all heard the news. It is great news. I've just heard the news like everyone else. I'm just trying to check if it's right."

2.45pm - Police officially confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the discovery of Shannon.

2.43pm - Reports Shannon found hiding under the bed at her grandparents' home.

2.03pm - Police confirm missing Shannon Matthews has been found safe and well. Unofficial reports suggested the nine-year-old had been found at a house believed to be in the neighbouring town of Batley Carr.
A local residents tells the YEP: "I have just seen Shannon being taken out of a house in Batley Carr. She is safe and well."

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Shannon-found--Live-updates.3880755.jp

TREASURE



At last some good news!!!

HEIDISTAR

Thanks for that Merly, lots of details there.

I saw your post wondering where he has been for the past 2 or 3 years, I was probably wondering the same thing as you...

I'm so proud of the way our Police have dealt with Shannon's case and they must be so pleased with the outcome.

HEIDISTAR

Hi Treasure,

Sorry, didn't see you there

Good to see you here, and isn't it wonderful to have some fantastic news?

TREASURE

Hi Heidi


I don't get on much recently, but I was so excited to hear the news I thought I'd pop in

HEIDISTAR

Well it's lovely to see you Treasure, hope to see you again soon.

Have to be off now, bye all x

MERLYNSAM

Sky News Updated

14th March 2008 Updated:16:52

Missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has been found alive 24 days after she disappeared.

She was discovered around a mile away at the home of a man who is part of her extended family, say Sky sources.

Police smashed their way into a flat in Lidgate Gardens in Batley Carr and emerged carrying Shannon, neighbours said.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested at the address in the Dewsbury area of West Yorkshire, on suspicion of abduction, said police.

The man is related to Shannon's stepfather Craig Meehan, according to Sky sources.

The nine-year-old was found "concealed" in the base of a divan bed at the address, the West Yorkshire force said.

<continues>

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1309334,00.html

BELLE

welcome back Shannon!!, I'm so happy you have been found and are in the care of the police now!
I hope that you are ok physically and mentally and that you feel comfortable enough with the councillors to talk of your disapearance.

(These are My own thoughts to Shannon.. I hope she feels able to be a happy little girl again!)

PAM SUPPORTFROM IRELAND

The nine-year-old was found "concealed" in the base of a divan bed at the address, the West Yorkshire force said.


I'm imagining this concealment could have been more longterm than a quick hide under the bed. Oh who knows but I am so glad she is found but must admit I knew she'd be found alive, just gut feeling and thought family connection(allegedly). did think not a member of step-father family though (allegedly).

TAMSIN

Relieved that Shannon has been found safe and well.

TEZZA

Statement from West Yorkshire Police.

Updated

Shannon Matthews Enquiry

Shannon Matthews has been away from home for almost four weeks.

As part of our ongoing enquiries, and following medical checks, West Yorkshire Police will begin the process of interviewing Shannon.

This may be a long process but throughout this enquiry our main focus has been and continues to be Shannon’s welfare.

We have therefore taken the decision that, for now, it is in Shannon’s best interests that she be made subject of an Emergency Police Protection Order.

This will remain in place until we have had time to establish the full facts of what happened in the time since her disappearance.

***

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.

http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=4707

TINA*08

Thank God Shannon has been found alive!!!!!

Now lets find Madeleine!! My God I feel like going to Dewsbury to celebrate and join them!!!

Just pray they don't put her back with the step father after what's been said, the mother has to listen to Shannon and do what's best for her children! xx

MERLYNSAM

claire* wrote:Thank God Shannon has been found alive!!!!!

Now lets find Madeleine!! My God I feel like going to Dewsbury to celebrate and join them!!!

Just pray they don't put her back with the step father after what's been said, the mother has to listen to Shannon and do what's best for her children! xx

Hang on.....am I missing something?

What's been said about the step-father? I thought that a 39 year old man had been arrested on suspicion of abduction.

TEZZA

This is a very complicated case and there is so much more that we do not know about.

What we do know, number one... Shannon is SAFE!

But we do not know if she was held against her will or not.
The man she was found with is a relative of the step father.
Shannon scribbled on her wall that she wanted to live with her real father.

I think the police have done a fantastic job, they have played their part well. Now they must concentrate on gathering forensics and other evidence in order to prosecute.

Regarding the family and custody of Shannon, that will be for Social Services to help with. Family liason officers will be needed here.

But thank God, she is safe!

MERLYNSAM

Thanks Tezza - I thought I had missed something essential and important because there has been so much breaking news this afternoon.

I do know that an Uncle made an allegation about the step-father (which has been refuted by all parties, including the biological father).

It is imperative that we don't speculate here until there is further information. The Police and Social Services will work together to ensure that Shannon is safe and remains safe. That is the most important thing. IMO

TINA*08

merlynsam wrote:Thanks Tezza - I thought I had missed something essential and important because there has been so much breaking news this afternoon.

I do know that an Uncle made an allegation about the step-father (which has been refuted by all parties, including the biological father).

It is imperative that we don't speculate here until there is further information. The Police and Social Services will work together to ensure that Shannon is safe and remains safe. That is the most important thing. IMO

I was going by what was wildly said in the news in the week from Shannon's grandparents and uncle about her not wanting to go home with the allegations of her step father hurting her, of course we don't know of any truth in this. I should have stated that. Sorry Meryl I should have put it a different way in my post..

Elated she has been found alive though!!!! Thank God!!

PAM SUPPORTFROM IRELAND

I'm so glad Emergency order has been granted as it is needed for Shannon. We'll have to wait and see for some time I'm thinking.

TINA*08

pam supportfromireland wrote:I'm so glad Emergency order has been granted as it is needed for Shannon. We'll have to wait and see for some time I'm thinking.

I was also relieved to see this had happened Pam! Hello btw hope you are well and good to see you hun. xxx

PAM SUPPORTFROMIRELAND

I'm very good Claire as day of very good news on here for many missing.

KARENJANE

pam supportfromireland wrote:I'm so glad Emergency order has been granted as is needed for Shannon.we'll have to wait and see for some time I'm thinking.

Me too. I'm very glad that the social services are going to be involved with the family.

And yes it is judging, but it does appear that Karen Matthews may not have made some wise choices in her life. With the support and attention from the relevent authorities she may get the chance to get the family and herself some support.

CRYS

i agree karen jane. i know social services do not have the best reputation at times but i know that they are protecting her b putting her under a police order. that way they can get to the bottom of this and the right decisions can be made for shannon. at the end of the day she is the paramount person here and if she was where she was of ehr own free will then that needs to be looked into. lets just hope its a happy outcome. but tezza is right, we know she is safe and thats the main thing. we know shes not laying dead in a ditch and that she is now protected. i wish the little mite all of the strength and courage in the world right now xx

MERLYNSAM

claire* wrote:

merlynsam wrote:Thanks Tezza - I thought I had missed something essential and important because there has been so much breaking news this afternoon.

I do know that an Uncle made an allegation about the step-father (which has been refuted by all parties, including the biological father).

It is imperative that we don't speculate here until there is further information. The Police and Social Services will work together to ensure that Shannon is safe and remains safe. That is the most important thing. IMO

I was going by what was wildly said in the news in the week from Shannon's grandparents and uncle about her not wanting to go home with the allegations of her step father hurting her, of course we don't know of any truth in this. I should have stated that. Sorry Meryl I should have put it a different way in my post..

Elated she has been found alive though!!!! Thank God!! :-D

Claire - we are all elated.

Don't worry about typing too fast or not saying things properly - we all do it.

I just needed to check whether I had missed something of great significance because we had news reports contradicting themselves this afternoon! That's the internet world for you - the journalists were doing some pretty shoddy reporting this afternoon trying to be first!

Thank goodness we are an active forum and we had people reading and anlysing as the news was coming in.

Claire - are you still dancing?

CRYS

dont know about claire merly but i certainly am!!!

MERLYNSAM

crys wrote:i agree karen jane. i know social services do not have the best reputation at times but i know that they are protecting her b putting her under a police order. that way they can get to the bottom of this and the right decisions can be made for shannon. at the end of the day she is the paramount person here and if she was where she was of ehr own free will then that needs to be looked into. lets just hope its a happy outcome. but tezza is right, we know she is safe and thats the main thing. we know shes not laying dead in a ditch and that she is now protected. i wish the little mite all of the strength and courage in the world right now xx

Hey - and I now have a free day tomorrow!

The dog and I were due to go back to Dewsbury to join the volunteer searches........................hmmmm...........what should I do with my 'free day' ???

Answers on a post card please!

CRYS

merlynsam wrote:

crys wrote:i agree karen jane. i know social services do not have the best reputation at times but i know that they are protecting her b putting her under a police order. that way they can get to the bottom of this and the right decisions can be made for shannon. at the end of the day she is the paramount person here and if she was where she was of ehr own free will then that needs to be looked into. lets just hope its a happy outcome. but tezza is right, we know she is safe and thats the main thing. we know shes not laying dead in a ditch and that she is now protected. i wish the little mite all of the strength and courage in the world right now xx

Hey - and I now have a free day tomorrow!

The dog and I were due to go back to Dewsbury to join the volunteer searches........................hmmmm...........what should I do with my 'free day' ???

Answers on a post card please!

well merly, i hae started a conga in the fireplace room - it may not take up the enxt 24 hours, but it would waste 24 minutes maybe! hold onto my hips and kick those legs lady, the conga train has started around the forum!!!