April Jones: Mark Bridger arrested on suspicion of murder

Police interviewing a man about the disappearance of five-year-old April Jones have announced he has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Mark Bridger was on Tuesday arrested on suspicion of abduction, and has since been held in police custody at Aberystwyth Police Station.

In a press conference at 10.30am today, Dyfed Powys Police announced the 46-year-old has now been arrested on suspicion of the murder of April.

Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan said: "He remains in custody at Aberystwyth Police Station where he continues to be questioned.

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"The arrest does not detract from our efforts to find April and we remain committed to finding her.

"Her family has been informed of this development and as you would expect they continue to be supported by a family liaison officer."

Det Supt Bevan again called on members of the public to come forward with information: "While this is a significant development in the investigation, I once again appeal to the public for information which may help us find April," he said.

"We are looking to trace the movements of Mark Bridger between 6.30pm on Monday and 3.30pm on Tuesday and any sightings of him between these times.

"We also need information regarding the movements of the blue Land Rover Discovery registration L503 MEP between these times."

Superintendent Ian John then led the press conference, telling the media that while police are grateful for the help of volunteers, "it is no longer appropriate for us to expect untrained members of the public to continue the search."

He said: "We want to acknowledge and are extremely grateful for the efforts of the community volunteers who have supported the professional searchers in trying to locate her.

"They have been a vital part of our team throughout this search operation. Quite frankly, their commitment has been an inspiration to us all."

He explained: "The dynamics of the search have now changed and due to the passage of time and the developments within the investigation it is no longer appropriate for us to expect untrained members of the public to continue the search.

"So now we only require professional searchers to be involved in the ongoing search which continues in and around Machynlleth."

Dyfed Powys Police have until just before 5pm to charge or release Bridger. They can, however, apply for a further 24 hours warrant of detention for him today.

Teams have been searching for April since Monday night, working through the night in poor weather conditions to try to find the youngster.

April was last seen getting into a vehicle at around 7pm on Monday. She had been playing with a friend near her home in Machynlleth, Powys.

April's family have made emotional appeals for her safe return, and have asked members of the public to wear pink ribbons to show solidarity with the search.