Missing April Jones: Mother's Emotional Appeal

The mother of missing April Jones has made an emotional appeal for help in finding her daughter.

Coral Jones, who was accompanied by her stepfather, April's step-grandfather, Dai Smith, sobbed as she said: "It's been 36 hours since April was taken from us.

"There must be someone out there who knows where she is and can help the police find her. We are desperate for any news.

"April is only five years old. Please, please, help find her."

After her plea, she broke down in tears, holding her head in her hands, and was comforted by Mr Smith as Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan made a further appeal for information.

Police are now searching a vacant farmhouse two miles from Dyfi River.

Detectives had earlier asked for information from anyone who saw 46-year-old Mark Bridger between Monday evening and when he was arrested in connection with the abduction on Tuesday afternoon.

They also took the unusual step of issuing images of the suspect and his metallic blue Land Rover Discovery during the earlier, unscheduled news conference.

Det Supt Bevan, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "We are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and Mark Bridger is one of them.

"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."

He said more than 50 volunteers were helping mountain rescue teams in the search for April and that police had details of many more who were able to help.

"We are extremely grateful for their help in this search and their support has been vital," Det Supt Bevan added.

April was last seen playing on her bicycle with friends near her home in the Bryn Y Gog estate in Machynlleth, mid Wales, at around 7pm on Monday.

Det Supt Bevan also used the previous appeal for witnesses who may have seen Bridger over the last two days - or his 4x4 vehicle, registration number L503 MEP.

"We are in the process of piecing together his movements and that of the vehicle from around 5pm on Monday evening through to 3.30pm Tuesday afternoon when Mark Bridger was arrested," he said.

Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to call Child Rescue Alert Line on 0300 2000 333.