POLICE IN WALES searching for missing five-year-old April Jones have said they are focusing on more than 20 sites in the Machynlleth area.
In his evening briefing, Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan said specific activity is happening across these scenes. He also told reporters that over 400 messages had been received from the public since his lunchtime appeal.
Overall, 1,600 messages have been received by investigators trying to trace the whereabouts of the young girl who was last seen getting into a vehicle at 7.30pm on Monday.
Detectives are trying to establish the movements of suspect Mark Bridger and his vehicle – a blue Landrover Discovery – between Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.
The massive search team includes 100 mountain rescue personnel, 100 trained and accredited police officers, 20 dog handlers, two RNLI vessels, the police marine unit and a team of kayakers.
“Intelligence is developing fast and this helps to drive the search priorities which are constantly under review,” explained Superintendent Ian John.
“The geography is very challenging and everyone is working in a hostile environment, by that I mean the terrain if difficult, waterlogged, working near to flooded rivers with the potential for mine shafts and unstable ground.
“The number of officers we have deployed will increase, particularly the use of specialist officers from around the UK. This is a growing operation and in no way are we scaling back this search. We remain completely focussed on finding April.”
Bridger was arrested yesterday afternoon and in a highly unusual move, his picture and name were subsequently released. Police also revealed he was wearing waterproof trousers and camouflage clothing when detained.
Bevan said the 46-year-old has been interviewed twice and police are looking to build a profile.
Meanwhile, Sky News has reported that April’s godmother Mair Raftree revealed that the missing child suffers from Cerebral Palsy and so will need her medication.
The registration plate on Mark Bridger’s blue Land Rover Discovery is L503MEP. It was recovered from a repair garage yesterday afternoon.
If you are reading this in Wales, the number to call with any information is 0300 2000 333. Det Supt Bevan said: “Do not assume someone else has already contacted us with information. Even if you feel yours is trivial, please contact us.”
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