Extra Time To Question Shannon's Mother

Police have been granted a 24-hour extension to question the mother of Shannon Matthews about the alleged abduction of her daughter.

Karen Matthews, 32, from Dewsbury Moor in West Yorkshire was arrested on Sunday night on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

According to reports, police are questioning Mrs Matthews to see if she had any contact with the man charged with Shannon's kidnap and imprisonment, Michael Donovan, 39.

Mr Donavan is being treated in hospital for what is believed to be a "serious case of self harm". A provisional date for his trial has been set for 11 November.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives investigating the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl in Dewsbury in February are continuing to question a 32-year old woman this morning.

"She remains in police custody after being arrested on Sunday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice."

Two other family members were also arrested last week. Mr Meehan's sister, Amanda Hyett, 25, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Their mother, Alice Meehan, 49, was also arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Both were released on police bail.

Nine-year-old Shannon disappeared on February 19, following a school swimming trip. She was discovered on March 14, hidden in the base of a bed in Mr Donovan's flat in Batley Carr.

In a separate inquiry, Craig Meehan, Shannon's stepfather was remanded in custody by Dewsbury magistrates after being arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

It has also been reported that someone claiming to represent Shannon's family asked for money from the fund set up to help aid the search for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, while officers were searching for Shannon.

(DS/KMcA)