Shannon's mum speaks of happiness

Shannon Matthews' mum has spoken of how happy she was to see her again, and how she is looking forward to her coming home.

Nine-year-old Shannon had been missing for over three weeks when she was found by police on Friday in a flat about a mile from her home in West Yorkshire.

Karen Matthews said she had never given up hope that Shannon would be found.

Police are still talking to a 39-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of taking her.

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It's important to remember that incidents like this are very rare.

Shannon is now being cared for by social services, while police talk to her about what happened when she went missing.

Shannon has been watching DVDs and playing with a kitten.

Her mum, Karen Matthews, said she was happy Shannon was being well cared for, but was looking forward to having her home.

Ms Matthews said: "I have seen Shannon and I am completely happy that she is being very well looked after and is being given all the care she needs.

"Of course I want her back with us as soon as that's possible but I understand that could take some time."

Ms Matthews thanked the police and the local community for everything they had done to help find her daughter.

People celebrated when she was found

She said: "When we do get Shannon back home with us we will plan a bit of party to welcome her home and we will be involving all the community in that to thank them for all their support."