Coral Jones (L) broke down as she made the appeal alongside April’s stepfather Dye Smith (Sky News)
Coral Jones (L) broke down as she made the appeal alongside April’s stepfather Dye Smith (Sky News)

The mother of the missing five-year-old girl April Jones broke down during her first public appeal for help to find her daughter.

Speaking at a news conference in Aberystwyth, Coral Jones said the family were desperate for any news regarding April.

She appeared alongside April's stepfather, Dai Smith, and said: "There must be someone out there who knows where she is.

"It's been 36 hours since April was taken from us and there must be someone out there who knows where she is and can help the police find her. We are desperate for any news.

"She is only five years old. Please, please help us."

April has been missing since 7:30pm on Monday when she was seen getting into a vehicle close to her home.

Dyfed Powys Police have released an image of the man arrested on suspicion of child abuse, along with a picture of his Land Rover.

Mark Bridger, 46, was arrested on the A487 just outside the village of Machynlleth where April went missing.

He is currently been held at Aberystwyth Police Station.

April Jones was last seen wearing a purple jacket near her home (Dyfed Powys Police)
April Jones was last seen wearing a purple jacket near her home (Dyfed Powys Police)

Police are hopeful April is still alive and are continuing the search for her.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact a dedicated hotline on 0300 2000 333.