I do hope she is found safe and sound

[2shoes]

poor familys

well it doesn't sound as if they think she's run away does it

And Imo Shannon Matthews is much more a "it could be me" senario than Madeleine Mccann for any parent because we will all let our children walk home from school on their own one day, whereas very few would leave their children unattended while going out for dinner. that yet again one child's disappearance seems more important than any other.

And no 2shoes the little spannish girl has never been found .

what makes you say that wannabe? I don't read anything in that report yet to suggest it is a more sinister investigation. She could have run off, hidden then got scared and disorientated especially if out after dark and in the cold. Unfortunately the longer time goes on the more at risk she would be.

They appear to believe that her disappearance has something to do with an ex-boyfriend of her mother's. TBH it has been perfectly obvious from the way the papers have been holding back on the story, that for some reason the police are not keen to publicise every detail - and there is ususally a reason for that.
I don't think it has anything to do with the status of the family.

It's not looking good, is it? Although it's only 10 miles to her dad's house, he says she wouldn't have a clue how to get there on her own; and it sounds as if there's more to him not being in touch than just no money and broken-down cars.

An ex-boyfriend, RIR? I was wondering about the current one - he's only 22, and her mother says she's a "daddy's girl" with him and they play tickling games According to yesterday's Guardian her dad left 4 years ago, which is about when the 22-year-old (then 18-yr-old) arrived.

I agree that the police are holding back on any suspicions they have.

Poor little scrap.

Yes, I thought the tickling games thing was a bit odd too, Wendy.
Poor little thing, I feel so sad for her.

When black and/or working-class kids go missing there is less coverage; but equally, as Edam says, the Madeleine McCann story was very uncomplicated.

It's a very upsetting story, this one.

I see I am not the only one who was a bit concerned about the tickling games. He crties himself to sleep, apparently.

I had there was lots of activity at the family home the other day but haven't seen the news today.

I also feel ashamed at the country we are where they can go mad over a 3 year old blonde going missing but not a 9 year old who isn't quite as cute.

Where is she?

Media coverage does seem to be increasing now it looks more likely that she didn't just run away, Nab.

To be fair to the media, with the Madeleine thing it was clear from the first moments that a crime had been committed - this one isn't the same. "Child missing, no evidence" is harder to report.

oh please letes not do a mm on the family.
Just pray the child is found safe and sound.

theres hundreds pf police searching, a police cadet college also mucked in. i think its unfair to say not as much is being done. just because its not in the news every 10 minutes.

just seen it on the news. poor little girl.

We aren't doing a MM, whatever that means, we are discussing media reports. We all want her home safe and well but 9 year olds don't run away without reason imo. Though it might be something minor to us, but huge to her.

What is the latest?

Unfortunately for me, can only follow this via sky news, its my part of the world as well - There is a news hold back for sure - they may not know what happened to her - but they definately have some ideas - have all the man power searches stopped?

Regarding comparing the amount of reporting with other missing child cases.... a 12 yr old boy in care went missing in Wales around the same time as Shannon. Absolutely no national coverage....

I have just found out this girl is my step-neice. My dad, who I have had no contact for a long time, has just rang me to say she is my step sister's daughter. I have no idea how to feel.

Immaculateconception my thoughts are with you at this sad time
Must have been a total for you!

Immaculateconception

From what my dad said the police are now preparing the family for the worst, hence why he called. I just don't know what to say or do or feel. Shannon is practically a stranger to me and had only met her and her mother once, last year.

is there any news. i haven't seen much news and what I have has been about the only soldier in the world.

Her mum and her best friend both did appeals for Mother's Day - that's all really, 2shoes.

here

Ic, how weird and awful for you

I hope and pray she is safe poor wee lamb

There is still no news, the police are still looking but to no avail. I truly think she's gone now.

what a wee shame!!! How can a wee one just vanish its awful. Thought the same when maddy went too I mean no trace of the wee girls its just so heartbreaking

Just saw another news item today - which said she was one of 7 siblings. Only remember an older brother being mentioned before - anyone else think this is odd??