Shannon Matthews Found Alive In Bed: Updates
SHANNON Matthews found alive - the story so far and updates can be found here…
TOM WATSON: “Keeping your kids close”
“Technology makes it easier to keep tabs on your kids. A new GPS device will allow parents to identify where there kids are hanging out at the click of a button. The Spot (satellite personal tracker) has an emergency button and text options. Parents can track where their kids are on Google maps. There’s also mobilelocators.com which can track an individual mobile phone. A search starts at 20p.”
Not that the Labour MP advocates chipping your children. He just wants us to join the debate. It’s the New Labour trick. If you’re an MP and get caught out saying something you believe in but that makes other people pall, all you need do is say you were joining the debate.
THE TIMES: “The Maths Of Shannon Matthews”
Here’s what Geoff Newiss reported to the Home Office in 1999 following a programme of research:
“The majority of ‘vulnerable’ missing persons do not meet with tragic consequences.
“The Police National Missing Persons Bureau (PNMPB) collects vulnerable missing person reports which are still outstanding after 14 days. Of the 2,197 missing persons entered onto their database in 1997/8, 1,561 (71.0%) had been traced by the end of the year.
“Only 938 reports related to missing persons under the age of 18, of which 692 (73.8%) had been traced by the end of the year.”
And:
The Missing People charity broadly concurs:
A Home Office study in 2003 found that the chance of a missing person being the victim of homicide to be around 1 in 7,400.
The risk varies enormously with age. Teenagers faced the lowest risk, simply because of the large numbers going missing relative to the number of cases involving homicide.
Young children, below the age of 10, faced at least twice the risk of being the victim of homicide than the average across all ages.
THE TIMES: “It’s over. Now for the demons.”
“Keenly sensitive to their own family’s anxiety, they also often seek to protect their parents from what they have been through.”
DAILY TELGRAPH: “It is reported that the 39 yr old man who faces charges of abducting her is a relative of Shannons’ stepfather. I wonder what kind of animal can watch the suffering of his own family whilst he continues to hold the child for his own perverted reasons. Whether Shannon has been assaulted or not, this mans actions must be those of someone with a pretty sick mind.”
Nothing reported. No sources given. The writer is given as “Phil Slocombe”. He writes ifor an online section called “My Telegraph”. His grammar is poor as his research. His byline says he’s in China. He may have to stay there.
We report it and do not like it. We will not discuss it. It remains alledged. The important point here is a nine-year-old is still with us and that makes Good News. The remainder is a healing process and we should all help with that.
CRN: “In a bizarre piece of commentary the parents of missing 4 year old Madeleine have been quoted as saying that they are ‘delighted’ that Shannon has been safely returned to her family. It is likely that Shannon’s family will be able to continue their celebrations without the need for other media hungry people to get involved.”
WASTING POLICE TIME: “There’s been a lot of rubbish talked lately about how Shannon’s case hadn’t received the media coverage others have, and lots of insinuation that people don’t really care about kids from less than idyllic homes. I can tell you from personal experience that this is balls, certainly as far as police operations go. The incident room oop north will have been full of lots of ordinary human beings, lots of them mums and dads themselves, going through a range of emotions, from weak hope to black despair.”
ELLEE SEYMOUR: “It will also put an end to the cruel media speculation which the Matthews and McCann families have endured, the comparisons made between coverage of Shannon and Madeleine McCann’s disappearances based on their different backgrounds.”
DAILY TELGRAPH: “Dozens of relatives, friends and neighbours spilled from their homes to gather outside the family house in celebration drinking champagne, beer and wine.”
THE GUARDIAN: “Who do we blame?”
Beatrix Campbell is harping on:
The story of Shannon Matthews’ disappearance - and dramatic reappearance, apparently alive and well, today - has confirmed the degree to which class is still the cultural register in our purportedly classless society.
The comparison between Madeleine McCann and Shannon Matthews is saturated by class. It isn’t just a matter of resources, and which children attract our attention. The comparison registers class as a courier of moral tales. Both stories dramatise the distribution of virtue and blame that fixes the working class and the middle class in moral hierarchies.
And on:
No one thought Karen Matthews had abducted or killed her daughter - and yet she has been judged. Some commentators think they can say anything they like about this woman and even to her. She has spoken with reticent dignity, yet her class makes her available for blame. The McCanns are official suspects. And yet - unlike Karen Matthews - they are presumed innocent.
THE TIMES: “Who’s who in the extended family of Shannon Matthews”
It has been reported that Shannon was found in the flat of one of Mr Meehan’s relatives.
THE TIMES: “Shannon’s happy ending ‘offers hope to others’”
An estimated 210,000 reports of missing people are made to British police forces each year. Around two-thirds of these concern young people under the age of 18. Most missing people return safe and well within 72 hours of going missing.
The parents of Madeleine McCann, who has been missing for 10 months after disappearing from their Algarve holiday apartment, said the discovery of Shannon had given them fresh hope.
EVENING TIMES: “Man held after missing Shannon found alive”
Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann, were among the first to welcome the news. Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said the news gave them hope.
He 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.”
SPENBOROUGH GUARDIAN: “Shannon Matthews latest”
5.04pm - A banner has been put up in the street where Shannon lives welcoming her home. It has been signed by her friends and family.
Family, friends and neighbours who are celebrating the news in the street said they hoped to see the youngster back home tonight.
THE GUARDIAN: “The troubled times of the Matthews family”
While West Yorkshire police was carrying out its biggest missing person investigation since the Yorkshire Ripper, the family of Shannon Matthews have been involved in a remarkable series of claims and counter-claims.
Watching the parents.
YORKSHIRE EVENING POST: “MISSING Shannon Matthews has been found safe and well.”
Police confirmed the news today - 24 days since she went missing in Dewsbury. Her disappearance sparked the biggest manhunt in West Yorkshire since the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry.
Unofficial reports suggested the nine-year-old had been found at a house believed in the neighbouring town of Batley Carr in Lidgate Gardens.
Police officially confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the discovery of Shannon.
AFP: “A resident in the neighbouring town of Batley Carr told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I have just seen Shannon being taken out of a house in Batley Carr. She is safe and well.”
INDEPENDENT: “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.”
The 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 added: “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.
POLICE: Shannon found in base of diven bed. A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abduction.
EVENING COURIER: Leon Rose, who grew up in Mixenden, Halifax, before moving to Huddersfield, said: “I’m buzzing at her being found obviously but need to wait for everything to sink in.”
LEON ROSE: “Like winning the lottery.”
Posted: 14th, March 2008 | In: Tabloids Comments (82) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
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March 15th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Fantastic news for all involved. My favourite bit so far was the comment on the ‘Sky’ feed when they were getting the news coming in:- “It’s all over Asda… it must be true!!!” classic!
March 15th, 2008 at 1:44 am
so glad she has been found! I think there is more to the story. I think other family members may be involved. Dont crucify me guys if this has already been discussed……
March 15th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Wouldn’t be an all surprised if the man (fancy being in the divan space with her) was like the person in Germany who held onto a girl for years until she escaped. It does seem Shannon couldn’t call for help, but her footsteps were heard by someone near, who called the police, good on her. See, there is someone who knows what went on, all probably (imo) except her mother.
March 15th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Shannon in a divan space with the man - 39 yrs old. Lady around flats heard child’s footsteps. Looks like Shannon was too scared to leave or call out for help. remember the girl in Germany, may well be something like that has happened to Shannon. Hope not.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Shannon’s case proves a physical search is vital. Only appearing in the world’s press is fairly pointless.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Someone must have been following Shannon. Why was she seen crying. How long has all this been going on for. Questions that will soon be answered! Finding her in the base of a divan bed….such a small space and stuffy. All will be revealed in good time.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
The two bastards, worried only about money, will loose everything, after loosing their money (the fund). The whole world will clap when they will be charged and judged. Just let’s wait…
March 14th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Poors Baby Grace and Mari Luz don’t have chances anymore…
Lucky Shannon (thank God!) is alive…
But, what about Madeleine?
No stone left unturned, that was the message. Hope those two will loose everyting (reputation, prestige, contacts, political and media protection, good image, FREEDOM…) Sometime, in a not very far future, they will have to face their errors… and justice will be done.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I’m very, very happy that Shannon has been found … and I echo Annie_M ’s thoughts … well done to the police and everyone involved.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Wondeerful news to wake up to. Now for the full story and feel it won’t be a nice one either. Hiding in a divan bed. What good work the police have done, Gold Bless Them. Now for the other….this might just throw some people off balance and they will split and talk! Hope the welfare department look into the family situation thoroughly, and FOSTER Shannon out instead of giving her back for more abuse (imo). Glad to know that child is safe>
March 14th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Just to clarify a point, I did not mean (nor did I suggest) that Shannon would not want to see, or love, her Mother - I said she might not want to go home - a completely different thing. It was reported early on that Shannon had said to her friends that she was going to (or wanted to) run away and it follows that home was not necessarily (in her mind) a happy place all of the time.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I am so relieved that she is found alive. I was so saddened until now. I had stopped posting here altogether because of this, I could not bring myself to it. Now, let us hope that it nothing bad has happened to her during all this time.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Dee - yes they did.
WTF - no we shouldn’t
March 14th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
69 suzi
Helooo you
Cant we discuss this? Get the feeling its a whole can of worms 
March 14th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Administrator: Ok troops this has the effect of making this nine-year-old essentially a Ward of Court. Be very careful what you say and talk about from now on. It what I expected and have already warned the Moderators about. I expect even Ian will back me up here. The child’s interests are paramount. Talk about something else.-agw
March 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
well why did they not advise on this one?
I don’t sit moving from thread to thread and the quote was from sky news online.
Just about had it with sitting discussing missing children anyway, I have come to the conclusion that only thing that suffers is my relationship with my children!
March 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Dave - have AGW really asked no one to discuss this case anymore?
March 14th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Suzi - I hadn’t heard that about Shannon holding on to the policeman like that.
Anyway, just to ket you know, AGW advised on the other thread that we should not discuss this case anymore…
March 14th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
63 Heather G
I don’t want to think the worst, but when I child is found hidden in the base of a divan bed and bought out “clinging to a police man for dear life”….maybe I am reading it wrong and she is scared about going home…but…..doesn’t seem very likley, kids love their mothers regardless of their social standing or relationships. Its generally unconditional at that age, IMO.
Still, lets hope you are right.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
omg i carnt belive it it is breacking new im buzzin it has put a smile on my face im sooo glad she is ok gud luk xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx best wishes
March 14th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I think that we may find that nothing “awful” will have happened to her and she may still not want to go home. Just because a child goes missing it doesn’t mean that they have been “interfered with”, sadly most of the time these days it seems like it does, but we shouldn’t be so quick to expect the worst. Let’s hope, for her sake, that nothing bad happened to her rather than thinking that it has.
I am delighted that she has been found, but I wonder what the full story behind this really is. As Annie M says - Well done to the police and all those who helped search for her.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Fancy hiding a child in the base of a divan bed. What an utter monster. When I look at the school photo of her, it saddens me to think that her eyes won’t reflect such innocence and happiness anymore. She will have this awful nightmare to carry for the rest of her life, and it will affect her in many ways I should imagine. Poor wee soul, but hey, she is alive and she was found and the police did a good job.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Fantastic news about Shannon. WELL DONE to the police and everyone involved.
Karen must be over the moon.
I know I am.
Brilliant!
March 14th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
29 Mic
This is a forum. Please don’t dictate to me what I can and can’t write about. Thanks.
March 14th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
WTF - Has she? Well that says it all if they have! Even at the age of 15, it is NOT alright to leave your kids!
March 14th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
57 dee
They hate anyone else getting the attention imo. Why must they be consulted anyway! I see that fiona mcKeown has been summoned for child neglect
March 14th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
WTF - They just can’t help themselves can they, don’t they understand this is not their time, it is Shannons families time! Maybe say something tomorrow if they really do care. Bloody limelight stealers!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
** go ** to the place…
March 14th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Hello everybody. I’m just hopping in for a short moment and LOOK!! GREAT news!
Great cops too because they didn’t give up the search and the neighbour also well done! I wonder when we’ll hear what this was all about. I’m very glad Shannon is found alive [because in fact I almost gave up hope]. I hope she’ll be soon able to the place and family where she wants to live.
March 14th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
53 dee
Yeahm, it was via telephone around ten to 5 i think. He said that gerry and kate were delighted with the news, like its got anything to do with them! I couldnt beleive it! He said that it gives them renewed hope that maddie will be alive, always jumping on the bandwagon!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
WTF - Did Clarrie get interviewed by Sky??? i didn’t see that, I’ve been watching Sky news since about 5.30pm