'I've been everywhere'
2008-03-05 20:11
London - Police have released a recording of the 999 emergency phone call made by Karen Matthews on the day her daughter Shannon went missing.
It is more than two weeks since the nine-year-old was last
seen at the gates of West Moor Junior School in Dewsbury, West
Yorkshire.
About 10% of the force's police officers and
detectives are engaged in the search for her.
Karen Matthews was heard describing in the phone call how
she had contacted all her daughter's friends and school in an attempt to locate Shannon.
Panic can be heard in her voice when she said: "I've been
everywhere I can think of...friends, family and everything."
She said there had been no argument in the morning and
there was no way of phoning her daughter because she had left
her mobile at home.
The recording breaks off when Karen Matthews tearfully
explains that it was the first time her daughter had gone missing.
Shannon Matthews went on a school swimming trip on the day
she disappeared.
Police said on Tuesday that her pink two-piece swimsuit with
blue fish on the top as well as a blue striped towel had yet to
be found.
About 250 uniformed police officers and 60 detectives are
involved in the investigation.
Forensic teams have been brought in and dozens of properties,
as well as waterways, searched.
Rubbish bins have been scoured in attempt to find any clues.
- Reuters