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ITN
Shannon 'may have fallen into wrong hands'
Shannon 'may have fallen into wrong hands'
The detective leading the hunt for missing nine-year-old Shannon Matthews said he fears she "may have fallen into the wrong hands".Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan was speaking at a press conference in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, exactly a week since Shannon Matthews was reported missing.Det Supt Brennan told reporters: "What concerns me greatly at this point is that Shannon is a vulnerable nine-year-old girl who may have fallen into the wrong hands."The young girl has not been seen since leaving school on Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, last Tuesday.But detectives insist they have not given up hope of finding Shannon alive. Chief Superintendent Barry South from West Yorkshire Police said: "I think the size of the search, the extent of what we're doing, the resources going in - we're not going to lose hope."My priority has been the same right from the very outset - we are doing our best to locate Shannon safe and well."Det Supt Brennan said that specially trained dogs that can sniff out human remains are being used in the wide-ranging inquiry, which includes mounted police patrols, search and rescue teams, mountain rescue teams and helicopters.A team of "dedicated scientists" are also on hand for detailed forensic examinations, detectives said.Officers have received over 300 calls from the public and searched more than 200 homes.Neighbours and friends have rallied round, handing out leaflets and wearing T-shirts with pictures of the schoolgirl.Ch Supt South said the investigation would not be scaled down and house-to-house inquiries would continue.He added: "In an inquiry of this nature, we're going to speak with close family, close friends, anybody that might be connected with Shannon."I've said from the outset I believe that somebody out there has a vital piece of information."We're constantly reminding people that it might just be that small bit that they think is not important that we need."Detectives have released CCTV footage which shows Shannon entering and leaving Dewsbury Sports Centre swimming pool with classmates shortly before she disappeared.She was dressed in a black jumper with a school logo, a white cotton T-shirt, black trousers and a waist-length black coat with fur round the hood. She was also wearing distinctive pink and grey "Bratz" furry boots.Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 01274 373737.© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | February 26, 2008
