Hunt for missing girl (5) continues

Five-year-old April Jones was snatched off the street yesterday and hasn't been seen since. Photo / Police

Police in Wales remain hopeful of finding a five-year-old girl kidnapped off the street, alive.

April Jones has been missing for more than 24 hours.

She had been playing outside with friends on their bikes near to garages in the town of Machynlleth about 7.30pm Monday local time and was last seen getting into a light-coloured van.

Dyfed Powys Police have arrested a 46-year-old man.

His vehicle has also been recovered and matches the description of the van believed to be involved in the abduction.

Detective Inspector Reg Bevan said he is a local.

"We knew he was in the area. We've been anxious to trace him and speak to him. We have now found him. He is in custody and hopefully he's going to provide us with information that will assist the investigation."

Around a hundred locals are helping police scour fields Machynlleth as they look for April.

- nzherald.co.nz