The mother of Shannon Matthews will appear in court today in connection with the alleged abduction of her daughter.

Karen Matthews, 32, will go before magistrates in Dewsbury charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.

Her nine-year-old daughter disappeared from Dewsbury and was discovered in the base of a bed at an address just a mile from her home after a 24-day police search.

Matthews, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, was arrested on Sunday evening and questioned by detectives at Wakefield police station.

Speaking at a news conference at Dewsbury police station, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer Peter Mann said: "The CPS has continued to work with police in connection with this case since Shannon was found on Friday, March 14.

"Having carefully considered all of the evidence provided in the file by West Yorkshire Police, we have decided that there is sufficient evidence and have authorised that Karen Matthews be charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect."

She is the latest family member to be arrested in connection with her daughter's disappearance.

Michael Donovan, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, was arrested on March 14, after Shannon was found in his flat following her disappearance on February 19.

He was later charged with Shannon's kidnap and false imprisonment and is in custody awaiting trial at Leeds Crown Court on November 11.

The 39-year-old, formerly known as Paul Drake, is the uncle of Matthews' partner Craig Meehan.

Last week, Meehan's sister, Amanda Hyett, 25, who lives next door to Shannon's mother, and his mother, Alice Meehan, 49, were both arrested in connection with the alleged abduction.

Mrs Hyett was questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and Mrs Meehan on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The pair were released on bail pending further inquiries.