The nine-year-old is still in police care, more than 48 hours since her amazing discovery in a flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr.

Miss Matthews, 32, spoke out today amid speculation about when Shannon might be allowed to return to her home in Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, where she hasn't been since before school on the day of her disappearance, February 19.

In a statement issued by police she said: "I fully understand that the police need to keep speaking to Shannon to establish exactly what has happened during the time that she has been missing. I appreciate that could take some time and is not something that is going to happen overnight.

"The most important thing is that Shannon is safe. 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. The police have been brilliant and I'm really grateful for all they have done for us.

"Of course I want her back with us as soon as that's possible but I understand that could take some time. When she does come home I want it to be for good. Our main priority is Shannon's welfare.

"I am very grateful to the media and the community for all the help and support they have given the appeal to trace Shannon over the past few weeks. But I also hope they will understand that we do need some privacy now and that Shannon is just a nine-year-old girl and will need to be protected from the massive amount of interest that there is in her at the moment.

"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."

Kirklees divisional commander Chief Supt Barry South briefed community representatives earlier this evening at St John's Church, Boothroyd Lane.

A 39-year-old man who was arrested on Friday is still in police custody.