Police gain more time to quiz Shannon mother

British detectives investigating the alleged abduction of Shannon Matthews have been granted more time to question her mother on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, police said today.

Magistrates extended the time detectives can question Karen Matthews, 32, until mid-morning tomorrow, West Yorkshire Police said.

Mrs Matthews was arrested on Sunday night and is being questioned by detectives at Wakefield police station.

She is the fourth family member to be arrested in connection with the nine-year-old’s 24-day disappearance from Dewsbury.