Reply to: Shannon Matthews found alive

[PAH]

My other theory is the kid wanted to get away from an abusive situation and her step uncle took her in. Whether he had other motives as well remains to be seen.

[PAH]

Been taken into police custody now for her own protection.....

Much easier if you neglect your kids on holiday, then you get showered with money.

The cynical part of me thinks maybe it was a stunt by the family to try to raise a few million like the McCanns did. Certainly more to it than a simple abduction when both the kid and 'abductor' were hiding in the drawers of a bed, and the 'abductor' is the uncle of the kid's current step father.

The mother also seemed strangely un-emotional when the news was broken to her whilst ITN's cameras were there. Either she'd heard the news already and it was a retake for dramatic effect, or she's in on it.

The kid being taken into child protection may back up my theory.

[Board Game Geek]

Good news indeed :-)

[Diver]

The relief I felt, as a father and a grandfather of girls, is indescribable.

[BrilloPad]

"Shannon Matthews who was found concealed in the base of a divan bed "

[dude69]

This has been a dodgy story from day one. The mother knows far more than she has said or has been released.
Her body language and manner has suggested that she knows who has taken her daughter and why.
Whether the girl was ever in any danger is open to debate. I suspect it was possibly the girls father or an ex partner or similar who was punishing the mother. It may have been the local mafia/yardies who have taken her against an outstanding debt or pending court appearance where she is the witness in which case she may have been in danger.

My opinion. No factual basis or evidence.

Been taken into police custody now for her own protection.....

Much easier if you neglect your kids on holiday, then you get showered with money.

[NotAllThere]

Kid isn't dead

Secrets by Jacqueline Wilson

[PAH]

I thought the police had searched all the local houses?

The first step of any police search is to leaflet the neighbourhood and then raid anyone that doesn't recycle the leaflet. It must have been bin day today.

[VectraMan]

The BBC report says the police kicked in the door. Doesn't sound like something you do if you're a bit "suspiscious", sounds more like they knew exactly where to look.

I thought the police had searched all the local houses?

[PAH]

officers who came there became suspicious

If that's true then the guy arrested must have been on their known offenders list, or it was someone known to the family.

According to the BBC the police raided the house following a tip-off, so I guess at the moment the full facts are still to be established.

[AtW]

Yes it's good news - looks like the police worked very well, especially if reports are true saying that they did not raid house on direct intel, but instead officers who came there became suspicious - if that's true then they should really get a medal or two.

[wobbegong]

Good news. I didn't think we'd see this outcome, I must say.

[Spacecadet]

7 by the age of 32

and 5 different fathers!

all the same, its good that Shannon turned up alive and (at least physically) unharmed

[shaunbhoy]

Well whatever the ins and outs it is a good result anyway.

[Bumfluff]

Take it they will be celebrating with cans of 'White Lightening' and 'Special Brew'.