Police receive over 2,500 calls

04/10/2012 @ 06:48

Police searching for missing five-year-old April Jones say they received more than 2,500 calls in response to their latest appeal.

They said the search would continue through the night despite poor weather forecast for Machynlleth.

Detectives have renewed an appeal over suspect Mark Bridger's movements, after being given more time to question him.

The search for April is nearing the end of its fourth day since she went missing on Monday evening.

"A massive police-led search has continued thoughout the day in Machynlleth and will continue throughout the night regardless of the weather," Superintendant Ian John told a press conference tonight..

"We are utilising eight specialist police search teams led by five specialist police advisers with the support of the national police search centre."

Supt John also praised the public's response.

"Following the appeals for information that we've made, we've received over 2,500 calls from the public," he said.

"All these calls need to be answered and that's being done by all 44 police forces around the country.

"All of this information needs to be analysed and I'm sure you can imagine the operation that's going on in and around our force area to process that information and make sure that everything is being given to the right priority and what we need to follow up is being followed up.

He also praised the hundreds of people who had volunteered to help with the search, gathering at the local leisure centre each day.

"I've had the privilege of going over there and thanking them for the support they're giving in this difficult operation.

"I also want to turn to April's family," he said. "I'm sure we're all feeling for them at this terrible time - also the friends and extended family.

"I just want to remind everybody that's why we're here tonight in the pouring down rain in Machynlleth is to focus on the search and do everything we can to bring this operation to a conclusion."