And he revealed his own house and garden was search by officers who were part of an 'extremely thorough' investigation.

Mr Malik said he was deeply disappointed at the number of people criticising officers, who spent 24 days hunting for the nine-year-old before finding her in a flat in Batley Carr on Friday.

Mr Malik said: "Instead of rejoicing at the miracle police rescue, we have one or two locals and an array of armchair experts who appear to be crawling out of the woodwork to offer their retrospective expertise.

"It is important that the police are now allowed to continue their investigations without this unnecessary commentary which serves as an unwelcome and extremely unhelpful distraction."

"If these people truly have Shannon and Dewsbury's interest at heart then I would ask them to please observe a period of silence and allow the investigation and it's outcome serve as the ultimate commentary.

"Far too many people seem to be motivated by their egos and perhaps greed with rewards that have yet to be claimed."

He said the police had done an extremely thorough job, which had resulted in Shannon's rescue and the arrest of her possible abductor, and Dewsbury people were enormously grateful.

He said: "I know first hand how thorough the police have been as my own house was searched and my garden had sniffer dogs out on more than one occasion. The police deserve our praise and respect – the unprecedented resources deployed, including 300 officers, has delivered a rescue that few would have believed possible.

"The rescue has been a great partnership between the police and the local community and our prayers have been answered – we won't allow a few spoilers to overshadow our euphoria."