April Jones: Search widens for missing five-year-old

The mother of missing April Jones made a heartbreaking appeal for the safe return of her daughter yesterday.

Coral Jones broke down in tears as she begged for any information that might lead to five-year-old April being returned safe and well.

At a press conference in Aberystwyth, Ms Jones struggled to control her emotions as she said: “It has been 36 hours since April was taken and there must be someone out there who knows where she is and can help.

• April Jones search continues - Live updates

“We are desperate for anyone who knows to come forward. April is only five years old. Please, please help find her.”

After her plea, she broke down in tears, and was comforted by April’s step-grandfather Dai Smith as Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan appealed for information.

Police are questioning 36-year-old Mark Bridger, who was arrested in connection with the abduction. They took the unusual step of releasing pictures of him and his Land Rover Discovery, which is being examined by forensic experts.

Mr Bevan said: “We are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and Mark Bridger is one of them.” He urged anyone who may have seen the Land Rover or Mr Bridger, between Monday evening and yesterday afternoon to get in touch by calling the Child Rescue Alert line on 0300 2000333.

“Do not assume somebody else has already contacted us with information. Even if you feel yours is trivial, it may be the vital piece that we are missing.”

April has not been seen since getting into a vehicle near her home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate in Machynlleth at 7pm on Monday.

Mr Bevan told a press conference: “Mark Bridger was arrested wearing a camouflage jacket and black waterproof overtrousers with camouflage trousers underneath. The Land Rover was recovered from a repair garage in the Station Road area of Machynlleth yesterday afternoon.”

The vehicle’s registration is L503 MEP.

By Andrew Morris in Aberystwyth and Sue Austin in Machynlleth