Shannon police 'gravely concerned' - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Shannon police 'gravely concerned'

Detectives searching for missing nine-year-old Shannon Matthews said they remain "gravely concerned" about the schoolgirl.

Senior officers were talking as they released CCTV footage showing the "timid" youngster shortly before she disappeared.

Shannon, from Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, West Yorkshire, failed to return home from school after a swimming trip on Tuesday afternoon. A police operation involving 250 officers and desperate day-and-night searches by friends and relatives have failed to find her.

The CCTV images, released by West Yorkshire Police, show Shannon entering and leaving the Dewsbury Sports Centre Swimming Pool, surrounded by a group of friends.

Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan told a packed press conference in the town how Shannon returned to school with her friends after the swimming trip.

But a sighting of her leaving school at 3.10pm remains the last confirmed time she was spotted despite a number of other unconfirmed sightings after this, which are still under investigation.

Mr Brennan also confirmed statements made by Shannon's natural father, who separated from her mother, Karen, a number of years ago, that she had written on her bedroom wall about wanting to go and live with him.

Leon Rose said his daughter may have tried to get to his home in nearby Huddersfield. But Mr Brennan said this was just part of an array of scribbles that the youngster had daubed on the wall.

The nine-year-old had also expressed desires to leave home, Mr Brennan added.

"She had suggested to a number of friends that she didn't want to go home and we are investigating that as well," he said. He added: "We do remain gravely concerned."

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity