Shannon suspect's 'self-harm bid'

Shannon Matthews went missing for 24 days before being found

The man accused of abducting Shannon Matthews has been treated in hospital after what the authorities say was a "serious case of self harm".

Michael Donovan, of Lidgate Gardens, Dewsbury, West Yorks, was arrested when officers found the Leeds schoolgirl in Batley Carr - a mile from her home.

The 39-year-old is now back in Leeds prison on remand awaiting trial.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman has been arrested in Dewsbury on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

West Yorkshire Police investigating the alleged abduction confirmed the arrest early Monday morning, saying they did not expect to release any further details until midday at the earliest.

Back in prison

Mr Donovan faces charges of kidnap and false imprisonment. A provisional trial date has been set for 11 November.

A Prison Service spokesperson would not confirm the details of the incident but said: "A prisoner from Leeds was taken to outside hospital overnight following a case of serious self-harm.

"Staff responded to the incident promptly and with great professionalism and the prisoner has now been returned to HMP Leeds."

Mr Donovan, who was formerly known as Paul Drake, is the uncle of Shannon's stepfather Craig Meehan.

Hundreds of officers and 60 detectives were involved in the three week search for nine-year-old Shannon. She was found hidden in the base of a bed in a flat on 14 March - 24 days after she went missing.