April Jones abduction: Mother Coral appeals for help

The mother of missing five-year-old April Jones has made an emotional appeal for help in tracing her.

April vanished from Machynlleth in mid Wales at 19:00 BST on Monday.

"We are desperate for any news... please, please help find her," said her mother Coral Jones, accompanied by April's grandfather Dai Smith.

Earlier, Dyfed-Powys detectives released a picture of a blue Land Rover Discovery belonging to Mark Bridger, 46, who has been arrested.

Police divers have joined the search, while the coastguard said it had four teams searching a three-mile stretch of the River Dyfi between Cemmaes Bridge and Dyfi Bridge.

Speaking at a news conference, Coral Jones broke down in tears as she said: "It's been 36 hours since April was taken from us and 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."

At an earlier news conference, police confirmed that Mark Bridger, who lives locally, was the man arrested on Tuesday and being questioned.

Mark Bridger and his blue Land Rover Discovery - registration L503MEP

As part of their search police have been searching buildings in the nearby village of Ceinws.

Det Supt Reg Bevan repeated his earlier appeal for anyone who saw seen Mr Bridger or his blue Land Rover Discovery between 17:00 BST on Monday and 15:30 BST on Tuesday to contact police.

"As I said earlier, we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and Mark Bridger is one of them.

"Can I again ask, did you see this vehicle between Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon?

"Do you know Mark Bridger and did you see him during that period Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon?

"If you have any information please contact us on the Child Rescue Alert Line on 0300 2000 333.

"Do not assume somebody else has already contacted us with information. Even if you feel yours is trivial, it might be the vital piece that we need.

"We have over 50 volunteers assisting the mountain rescue team," Det Supt Bevan added, saying they had details of more volunteers who were standing by to assist.

"We are extremely grateful for their support, and their help has been vital."

Earlier, Det Supt Bevan revealed that Mr Bridger was wearing a camouflage green jacket and black waterproof over trousers when he was arrested.

April Jones in the purple coat she was believed to be wearing

He showed pictures of Mr Bridger and of his blue Land Rover Discovery, registration number L503MEP, and asked for anyone who had seen it to get in touch.

"The Land Rover Discovery was recovered from a repair garage in the Old Station Road area of Machynlleth on Tuesday afternoon," he said.

Particular area

On Wednesday afternoon, around 100 local volunteers were asked by police to recommence a search but were told to avoid the Dyfi Forest and the swollen River Dyfi.

Mr Bridger was arrested at 15:30 BST on Tuesday while walking along the A487 main road north out of Machynlleth.

The route remains closed in both directions as far as Cross Foxes, near Dolgellau, 12 miles away.

April's godmother Mair Raftree, 41, from Aberystwyth, described April as "a quiet girl".

"She would never go with anybody and ask for a lift. We just want her back safely," she added.

Another vigil will be held for April at 1800 BST at St Peter's Church 24 hours after the first was held on Tuesday.

Dyfed-Powys Police have asked anyone with information to contact a dedicated hotline on 0300 2000 333.

See a more detailed map of the search here