April Jones Search To Finish

The search for April Jones is to finish by the end of April, according to police.

Officers from Dyfed Powys Police have been searching for the five-year-old girl since she went missing from her home in Machynlleth, Powys, Wales, in October last year.

Police have been assisted throughout the search by large groups of community volunteers from the area.

Dyfed Powys Police said the teams had worked through a detailed plan based on information from the investigation and national best practice guidance.

A range of specialist resources from various agencies was used, including police marine units, experts in searching confined spaces and mines, fire and rescue urban search and rescue teams, the coastguard and mountain rescue teams and specially trained CSI dogs from all over the UK.

Police confirmed there have been a total of 17 search teams working on a weekly basis, comprising of a Sergeant and six PCs, including eight PoLSA and ten CSI Dogs.

A 60km sq area has been searched, including in over 300 specific search areas.

Police say the terrain is extremely challenging, as the mountains, gorges, streams and waterfalls in the area mean extra care is required and specialist safety equipment must be worn.

The force made "a commitment to search until all viable lines of enquiry were complete," a statement said.

But, there will be no searching taking place this week due to extreme weather, and there will be no search over Easter.

"During April, officers will searching specific areas of land with a view to all search areas identified being completed by the end of April," the statement added.

"There will of course remain a reactive team of specialist officers available to respond to any new information that is received."

47-year-old Mark Bridger denies abducting and murdering April. He also denies intending to pervert the course of justice. He will stand trial at Mold Crown Court on 29 April.

(IT)