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12/03/2008
Mother Claims Shannon 'Was Abducted'
The mother of missing West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has said that she fears that her daughter was abducted by someone she knows.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Karen Matthews said that she believed Shannon was abducted after she disappeared last month.
When asked if she thought someone she knew was responsible, Mrs Matthews replied: "It seems that way, because there's no trace of her at all."
When asked why someone she knew would do such a thing, Mrs Matthews replied: "Just to hurt me, really."
Shannon's stepfather, Craig Meehan, also denied claims that he had hit the child, telling the programme that he had a good relationship with her.
Shannon, nine, disappeared after failing to return to her home in Dewsbury Moor following a school swimming trip on February 19. The last confirmed sighting of her was at 3:10pm that day.
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the search for Shannon is the biggest case they have undertaken since the search for the Yorkshire Ripper.
Hundreds of police officers are involved in the search, which is focusing on Dewsbury.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that more than half of the UK's specialist search dogs were involved in the search for Shannon.
Sixteen of the dogs, which are trained to find blood and human remains, are being used in the hunt for the nine-year-old, with some of the teams coming from as far away as Glasgow.
'The Sun' has increased its reward for information leading to Shannon's discovery, from £20,000 to £50,000.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 01274 373737.
(KMcA)
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Karen Matthews said that she believed Shannon was abducted after she disappeared last month.
When asked if she thought someone she knew was responsible, Mrs Matthews replied: "It seems that way, because there's no trace of her at all."
When asked why someone she knew would do such a thing, Mrs Matthews replied: "Just to hurt me, really."
Shannon's stepfather, Craig Meehan, also denied claims that he had hit the child, telling the programme that he had a good relationship with her.
Shannon, nine, disappeared after failing to return to her home in Dewsbury Moor following a school swimming trip on February 19. The last confirmed sighting of her was at 3:10pm that day.
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the search for Shannon is the biggest case they have undertaken since the search for the Yorkshire Ripper.
Hundreds of police officers are involved in the search, which is focusing on Dewsbury.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that more than half of the UK's specialist search dogs were involved in the search for Shannon.
Sixteen of the dogs, which are trained to find blood and human remains, are being used in the hunt for the nine-year-old, with some of the teams coming from as far away as Glasgow.
'The Sun' has increased its reward for information leading to Shannon's discovery, from £20,000 to £50,000.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 01274 373737.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
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05 September 2008
Shannon's Mum Faces Fresh Charges
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the girl who went 'missing' for several weeks earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment. These new charges were revealed as Karen Matthews appeared at Leeds Crown Court.
Shannon's Mum Faces Fresh Charges
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the girl who went 'missing' for several weeks earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment. These new charges were revealed as Karen Matthews appeared at Leeds Crown Court.
14 March 2008
Shannon Found Alive
Missing West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has been found alive. The nine-year-old was reportedly found concealed in the base of a divan bed in a flat in Lidgate Gardens in Batley Carr. According to reports, police smashed into the flat and rescued Shannon.
Shannon Found Alive
Missing West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has been found alive. The nine-year-old was reportedly found concealed in the base of a divan bed in a flat in Lidgate Gardens in Batley Carr. According to reports, police smashed into the flat and rescued Shannon.
05 March 2008
999 Call Released In Search For Shannon
Police searching for missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews have released a recording of the 999 call made by her mother reporting that she had failed to come home. Karen Matthews made the call when her nine-year-old daughter failed to return home following a school swimming trip on February 19.
999 Call Released In Search For Shannon
Police searching for missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews have released a recording of the 999 call made by her mother reporting that she had failed to come home. Karen Matthews made the call when her nine-year-old daughter failed to return home following a school swimming trip on February 19.
23 January 2009
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
04 April 2008
Two Women Arrested In Shannon Matthews Case
Police have arrested two members of Shannon Matthew's family as the investigation into the alleged abduction of West Yorkshire schoolgirl continues.
Two Women Arrested In Shannon Matthews Case
Police have arrested two members of Shannon Matthew's family as the investigation into the alleged abduction of West Yorkshire schoolgirl continues.
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