Missing April Jones: Man arrested

The 46-year-old man arrested in connection with the disappearance of April Jones was known to her family, it has emerged.

Named locally as Mark Bridger, he was arrested at around 3.30pm just outside Machynlleth while he was on foot.

Five-year-old April was last seen by another child getting into a white or grey van at about 7pm last night.

At a press conference earlier this evening, Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan said: "We are hopeful that this individual will assist us in locating April, who is still missing.

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"We are still pursuing all lines of inquiry with a view that April is still alive and we will continue to do so until we find her."

Superintendent Ian John added: "We are continuing with the searches and can I ask everyone who has already looked in their sheds, outbuildings to do so once more, we still have a missing five year old.

"Searches this afternoon included the use of specialist teams, police dogs and the force helicopter. We had tremendous support from North Wales Police, British Transport Police and Mountain Rescue support.

"We have received offers of support from forces throughout the country to assist in the search, for which we are extremely grateful.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the community of Machynlleth and the surrounding area who have joined in the searches. We needed to ensure the searches were coordinated and managed so we maximised their effectiveness."

Forensics teams are examining a vehicle that's been recovered as the search for the missing five-year old continues.

The details of the arrest emerged shortly before April's parents Coral, 40, and Paul, 43 were due to speak at a press conference this afternoon.

It is understood the developments meant the couple were too upset to make a public appeal at the media conference.

Police are expected to provide an update on their investigation shortly.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, or Dyfed Powys Police have issued a number for people who might have details about April: 0300 2000 333.