Dewsbury MP defends Police efforts in Shannon case
17 March 2008
Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik has said he is deeply disappointed at the number of people lining up to criticise Police efforts following the discovery and rescue of 9 year old Shannon Matthews from a flat in the Batley Carr area of the town.
Mr Malik said: “Instead of rejoicing at the miracle police rescue, we have one or two locals and an array of armchair experts who appear to be crawling out of the woodwork to offer their retrospective expertise.”
“It is important that the police are now allowed to continue their investigations without this unnecessary commentary which serves as an unwelcome and extremely unhelpful distraction.”
“If these people truly have Shannon and Dewsbury's interest at heart then I would ask them to please observe a period of silence and allow the investigation and it's outcome serve as the ultimate commentary.”
“Far too many people seem to be motivated by their egos and perhaps greed with rewards that have yet to be claimed.”
“I find it almost unbelievable that people can make judgements on the police based on incorrect or partial facts and assumptions. The truth is that the police have done an extremely thorough job which has resulted in the rescue of Shannon and the arrest of her abductor and the people of Dewsbury are enormously grateful.”
“I know first hand how thorough the police have been as my own house was searched and my garden had sniffer dogs out on more than one occasion. The police deserve our praise and respect – the unprecedented resources deployed, including 300 officers, has delivered a rescue that few would have believed possible after 24 days of abduction.”
“Locally we are determined that this happy ending will not be spoilt by a handful of armchair experts. Everyone I've spoken to is very angry that the police are facing such criticism which they believe is unfounded. The rescue has been a great partnership between the police and the local community and our prayers have been answered – we won't allow a few spoilers to overshadow our euphoria.”
The Labour MP was also scathing about comments made by Yorkshire Conservative MEP Edward Macmillan Scott: “Mr Macmillan-Scott has trashed the police search effort and said they should have used an 'amber alert system' as used in other countries. It is a staggering statement to make by someone who to my knowledge has never stepped a foot in Dewsbury during the investigation or at any other time but more importantly, the 'amber alert' system only works if you have the full or partial vehicle details – since there was no knowledge of any vehicle involved in Shannon's disappearance his comments smack of type of ignorance that is unforgivable.”