Hundreds search for abducted five-year-old - Telegraph.co.uk

Police set up road blocks in the small market town and Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Powell said the force was following a number of lines of inquiry.

He said: "Dyfed-Powys Police have launched an intensive search and criminal investigation into the abduction of a five-year-old girl, April Jones, in Machynlleth.

"April was last seen playing on a bicycle near her home address at around 7.30pm and was seen getting into what we believe was a light-coloured van which then drove off.

"We are obviously becoming increasing concerned for her safety and are asking for anyone with information to please contact us on 101."

Up to 200 people congregated at Machynlleth Leisure Centre as news of the apparent abduction broke to help in the search for the missing girl.

Local restaurant owner Razul Islam said a large majority of the town, which has a population of 2,000, was out in force to hunt for the youngster.

"There are hundreds of people out looking for her," he told Sky News last night.

"It is such a small town and nearly everyone is out looking for her. I'm shocked that it has happened in a town like this."

Local petrol station owner Nerys Zjalic said she reopened her garage last night to help with the search.

Ms Zjalic, who runs Reads Garage, told ITV Wales: "My friend called to ask if we would open so people can get petrol to help in the search. Locals are out in full force searching for her."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live she said that some people had returned home overnight, but were planning to reconvene their search at 6.30am.

"It just shows the community spirit of the town and how people get together in a crisis to do anything they can to help," she added.

Ms Zjalic, who knows the missing girl's family, said people had been coming from far and wide to help with the search.

"It's unbelievable. You just don't think that something like that would happen in a small town like Machynlleth.

"Nothing will be the same again. This is a small little market town and you think children are quite safe but this shows us it's not the case.

"People just can't believe such a thing has happened, the whole town is devastated and in shock."

Police released three pictures of brown-haired April and urged anyone with information about the youngster's disappearance to come forward.

Locals have also put up posters of April around the town as part of their search efforts.

Chris Dudley, who works at the Skinners Arms on Penrallt Street, said the pub was empty last night with many of the locals joining the search.

"All the locals are looking for her in this area - the cemeteries, the golf field, playing field, everywhere you can think of," he said.

Police officers were "everywhere" and they were also searching cars, he added.

Inspector Kevin Davies from Dyfed-Powys Police said "every angle" of the investigation was being covered.

He told the BBC that police dog teams were involved in the operation and that cars in and out of the town were being stopped and searched by officers.

A family liaison officer is also keeping the "devastated" relatives of missing April informed of any developments, Mr Davies added.