THE father of missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews is anxiously waiting for news at his Huddersfield home.

Leon Rose, 45, is estranged from Shannon and her mum, but is desperately worried about his missing daughter.

He was told of her disappearance by police on Tuesday night.

Speaking from his house in Kirkburton, unemployed Mr Rose said: “The first I knew about it was when the police came round to mine and all I can say to you is what I said to them – I know nothing.

“I haven't seen Shannon for years because my ex-partner has custody of her, but of course I am concerned about her.

“I just hope she's okay. I can’t think what everyone must be going through.

“I am just waiting on news.”

The uncle of the missing nine-year-old has also spoken of the family's deep concern over the youngster's disappearance.

Schoolgirl Shannon vanished on Tuesday at about 3.30pm after a swimming trip with her school.

The girl's uncle, coach driver Neil Hyett, 36, told how Shannon's disappearance is "completely out of character and unexpected."

Shannon’s mother, housewife Karen Matthews, 32, who separated from Mr Rose several years ago, has spent hours with police.

Shannon, who is said to love computer games, has only occasional contact with her father who lives with her twin, Ian. Mum Karen now lives with step-father Craig Meehan, 22, who she has been with for three years.

Worried uncle Neil, lives next door to his brother-in-law Craig, a supermarket worker, and Karen and her children, Shannon, Tony, 11, Cameron, five, and Courtney, two, in their three-bedroom council house.

He said yesterday: "We are worried about how cold it has been and can't bear to think of her having been outside all night. She would normally be playing outside this afternoon and I can't believe she's not here.

“It's completely out of character and unexpected for her to just go off. She's normally the first one home from school out of all her friends. It's a horrible feeling that she might not even be in Yorkshire anymore. She could be a million miles away by now if someone has her.”