Three women freed in Shannon case

Three women who were arrested today in connection with the alleged abduction of Shannon Matthews have been bailed pending further inquiries, West Yorkshire Police said.

Shannon Matthews disappeared after a school swimming trip in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in February, sparking a massive police hunt. She was found safe and well in the base of a bed about a mile from her home 24 days later.

Two of the women questioned today have been arrested before by officers investigating the nine-year-old's alleged abduction.

Police said all three women were questioned today on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The girl's mother Karen Matthews (32), was arrested on Sunday. She appeared before Dewsbury magistrates yesterday charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect. She was remanded in custody until April 16th when she will appear via a videolink at Leeds Crown Court.

Ms Matthews' partner Craig Meehan (22), has been remanded in custody on charges of possessing indecent images of children.

Mr Meehan’s uncle Michael Donovan (39), has been charged with abduction and imprisonment. He is in custody awaiting trial at Leeds Crown Court on November 11th.

Police in Dewsbury have handed out leaflets urging people to show restraint after reports said residents were angry about the family's alleged role in the case.

"It is important that the community does not jump to any conclusions about people who may be involved in this inquiry,” the leaflets said. "Please do not take the law into your own hands and leave the police to do their job."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said there had been no specific threats and that the leaflets were a precautionary measure.

The windows and doors of the girl's family home have now been boarded up while police stand outside.

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