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Mother's joy at Shannon reunion | Mother's joy at Shannon reunion |
(10 minutes later) | |
The mother of Shannon Matthews says she was "overwhelmed" at being reunited with her daughter. | |
Police rescued the nine-year-old from a flat in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire more than three weeks after she disappeared. She is now in social services care. | |
Her mother Karen Matthews, 32, said she had never given up hope and "just couldn't stop crying, knowing she's back where she belongs and safe". | Her mother Karen Matthews, 32, said she had never given up hope and "just couldn't stop crying, knowing she's back where she belongs and safe". |
Shannon's stepfather's uncle has been arrested on suspicion of abduction. | Shannon's stepfather's uncle has been arrested on suspicion of abduction. |
Michael Donovan, a 39-year-old formerly known as Paul Drake remains in custody. | Michael Donovan, a 39-year-old formerly known as Paul Drake remains in custody. |
I never gave up hope and now she'll be able to come home and sleep in her room again Karen Matthews, Shannon's mother | |
He and Shannon were found by police in two concealed compartments under a divan bed at a flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire on Friday afternoon. | He and Shannon were found by police in two concealed compartments under a divan bed at a flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire on Friday afternoon. |
Police have since interviewed Shannon and have said she is "on the road to recovery following her ordeal". | |
Police thanks | |
Shannon's mother and stepfather Craig Meehan, 22, returned home late on Saturday afternoon after spending Friday night in a hotel. | Shannon's mother and stepfather Craig Meehan, 22, returned home late on Saturday afternoon after spending Friday night in a hotel. |
They stood outside their house in Dewsbury to briefly to pose for photographers. | |
Karen Matthews said: "I never gave up hope and now she'll be able to come home and sleep in her room again. We've got her new pink bedding which she'll love. | |
"The police have helped a lot. We can't thank them enough." | |
She also thanked the local community for their support. | |
I'm thankful that the nightmare is over - it's now a dream come true Leon Rose, Shannon's natural father | |
"We're just happy to be a family again. That's all we've wanted - Shannon back and safe - now the family is safe again," she said. | |
West Yorkshire police said Shannon had spent "a comfortable and settled night" watching films and playing with a kitten after she was found. | |
Leon Rose, Shannon Matthews' biological father, said when he saw his daughter he would "grab hold of her and give her a cuddle and tell her I love her". | Leon Rose, Shannon Matthews' biological father, said when he saw his daughter he would "grab hold of her and give her a cuddle and tell her I love her". |
"All that counts is that Shannon has been found safe and well. I'm thankful that the nightmare is over - it's now a dream come true," he said. |