April’s abduction case sees man arrested

Police have arrested a man over missing five-year-old April Jones, and now police ask helpers to step down...

The continued search for April Jones from Machynlleth, in Wales, shed new light on Tuesday, as a 46-year-old man was taken in to custody suspected of taking the missing girl. Police have also asked people who have been aiding the search to refrain from helping further.

Now at least 40 specially trained officers are involved in the case, including dog handlers and also mountain and river rescue teams according to reports, as the environment is rural and difficult to man. 

Police from Dyfed-Powys told the general public to no longer assist with the search for the girl at a press conference on Wednesday morning. Instead, Superintendent Ian John, of the local police, advised the public it would be best and safer if the job was left to trained officers.

The explanation came as weather conditions had worsened, with the officer admitting that although the police are “overwhelmed” by people’s support to find April, the fast flow of the nearby River Dyfi in particular was “challenging”, and now there are concerns for people’s safety.

He said: “The weather yesterday wasn't great and I don't think the forecast is very good for today.

“So what I am asking really is - notwithstanding the great support and the commitment that people want to show in helping us to find April - can we please leave this now to the trained and skilled people that we have?” added Supt. John.

“I don't want those officers to be distracted by the well-intentioned and enthusiastic support.”

Following leads, police found the local man they arrested walking on a road in the area, and it is understood a main route exiting north of Machynlleth was closed in both directions. Police are hoping to gain information from interviewing Mr. Bridger to help with their continued search.

Police picked up Mark Bridger, supposedly a former soldier and neighbour, at around 4pm on Monday, with police then searching his home and his vehicle for clues - his Land Rover compares to earlier reports that claimed April was seen climbing in to a van or Land Rover.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Mr. Bridger is thought to have his own children and had lived close to the Jones family at stages.

In a statement April’s parents have describing their daughter as being a beautiful girl, with their plea for her return reading: “Please, please if you have our little girl, let her come home to us.”

A news conference is expected to take place later on Wednesday with an update.