POLICE IN WALES who are searching for any sign of missing five year old April Jones are to hold a press conference this afternoon.

Investigators have until just before 5pm today to question local resident Mark Bridger who yesterday was arrested on suspicion of the murder of the child, who has been missing since Monday night from near her home in the village of Machynlleth in mid Wales.

She was last seen getting into a vehicle – a Land Rover believed to belong to Bridger – at around 7.30pm on Monday. The Telegraph reports today that she had been allowed to stay out playing later than usual because she had received a glowing school report.

Dyfed-Powys Police have said that there will be a media briefing at the Welsh Assembly Government Building in Aberystwyth this afternoon. They have set the time for 3pm but have asked for flexibility around the timing of the conference. They anticipate that it will take place before 5pm.

Bridger is currently being questioned in Aberystwyth police station.

The search for April has now entered its sixth day after efforts were hampered by bad weather overnight. Police have said that overnight searches have also been halted because “you search at night because you want to find someone alive”.

Superintendent Ian John said that searching during the day is safer and will make it easier to collect forensic evidence if necessary, according to The Guardian.

Comments on this article have now been closed as it now relates to an ongoing court case. The latest on the story is here.

Latest: Mark Bridger charged with murder and abduction>

Yesterday: Police given more time to question suspect over April Jones disappearance>

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