THE hunt for the missing nine-year-old Shannon Matthews widened to a search of a pond and sewers by specialist police teams yesterday.

Detectives said they were “gravely concerned” about the girl, who disappeared on Tuesday afternoon on her way home after a school swimming trip.

Although locals fear Shannon may have been abducted, detectives said yesterday they were still searching for a missing person.

Searches have focused on the Dewsbury Moor area of West Yorkshire, where Shannon lives, but police said this weekend they may widen the search to other parts of the country.

More than 300 calls have been taken about Shannon and more than 200 houses within half a mile of her home have been searched.

Last week West Yorkshire police released CCTV footage showing the movements of the “timid” youngster shortly before she disappeared.

The images show Shannon entering and leaving the swimming pool, surrounded by friends.

Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan, who is leading the investigation, said Shannon returned to school with friends after the swimming trip. The last confirmed sighting of the girl is of her leaving school at 3.10pm.

Detectives are also investigating the possibility Shannon may have been trying to reach Huddersfield, 10 miles away, to be with her father Leon Rose, 29, who was separated from her mother Karen, 32.

Police confirmed a scribble in Shannon’s handwriting found in her bedroom said she wanted to live with Rose.

It is understood Shannon was upset after her mother accused her of stealing money from her purse.

Brennan said: “She had suggested to a number of friends that she didn’t want to go home and we are investigating that as well. We do remain gravely concerned.”

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