MISSING nine-year-old Shannon Matthews was found alive and well this afternoon, 24 days after she disappeared in Batley, West Yorkshire.Police smashed their way into a flat about a mile from Dewsbury to find the youngster concealed in the base of a divan bed.

MISSING nine-year-old Shannon Matthews was found alive and well this afternoon, 24 days after she disappeared in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Police smashed their way into a flat about a mile from Dewsbury to find the youngster concealed in the base of a divan bed.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abduction at the address in Batley Carr.

Police in West Yorkshire launched one of the biggest manhunts since the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry nearly three decades ago. Shannon's mother has been contacted by police and she left her home accompanied by officers.