Schoolgirl Shannon Matthews continues to be interviewed by police following her 24-day disappearance.

The nine-year-old was discovered by police on Friday in the base of a divan bed at a flat less than one mile from her home in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

Her stepfather's uncle, Michael Donovan, 39, formerly known as Paul Drake, was arrested on suspicion of Shannon's abduction at the property in Lidgate Gardens, in the Batley Carr area.

West Yorkshire Police said Shannon was "on the road to recovery" and specially trained officers had spoken to her after she had eaten breakfast and played with a kitten.

It has now been revealed that Shannon's mother, Karen Matthews, has only seen her through a one-way mirror to confirm her identity for the police.

Shannon has spent a second night in police care while the delicate task of questioning her begins.

Police have rebuffed criticism of the time it took them to find Shannon so close to her family home.

A local MEP demanded to know why Donovan had not been questioned sooner, saying that relatives were often involved in cases of this kind.

But police sources said there were "literally hundreds of people" in a "huge family network" that required a large amount of resources.

Describing being reunited with her daughter, Shannon's mother, Karen Matthews, 32, said: "When I first saw Shannon again I was overwhelmed - I just couldn't stop crying, knowing she's back where she belongs and she's safe.

"I never gave up hope and now she'll be able to come home and sleep in her room again. We've got her new pink bedding which she'll love.

"The police have helped a lot. We can't thank them enough."

Mrs Matthews said the support from the local community had been "fantastic" and she thanked them for their letters and cards of hope.

"We're just happy to be a family again. That's all we've wanted - Shannon back and safe - now the family is safe again," she said.

The family now wanted time to come to terms with the events of the last three weeks, she added.

The nine-year-old's father, Leon Rose, said: "I am buzzing over it - especially since Shannon has been found alive.

"I'm over the moon and I can't wait to see her. I'll grab hold of her and give her a cuddle and tell her I love her."

Mr Rose reiterated Mrs Matthews' messages of thanks to the police and local community.

"All that counts is that Shannon has been found safe and well. I'm thankful that the nightmare is over - it's now a dream come true," he said.

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