Missing April Jones: Police To End Search
Police will focus on specific areas of land before ending their search operation seven months after the five-year-old disappeared.
The search in Machynlleth is being scaled down
Police are preparing to call off their search for the body of missing April Jones by the end of next month.
The five-year-old vanished while playing on her bike near her home in Machynlleth, Wales, on October 1 last year.
Since then a massive search operation has been under way with police scouring some 300 points in a 60sq km area.
A Dyfed Powys spokesperson said: "The terrain is extremely challenging. The mountains, gorges, streams and waterfalls in the area mean extra care has to be taken and specialist safety equipment has to be worn.
"The force made a commitment to search until all viable lines of enquiry were complete.
"During April officers will searching specific areas of land with a view to all search areas identified being completed by the end of April."
Police added that a reactive team of specialist officers would be available to respond to any new information.
Mark Bridger, 47, is facing trial charged with abducting and murdering the schoolgirl and of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.
He pleaded not guilty on January 14, when his barrister Brendan Kelly QC told Mold Crown Court that Bridger is "probably responsible" for her death.
On the day she went missing, Mr and Mrs Jones had allowed April to play out late as a treat after she received a glowing report from school.
Bridger was arrested the following day.