THE PARENTS of missing April Jones spoke yesterday of their pain at realising they will never see their daughter alive again.
More than 10 weeks after the girl was snatched from the estate where she lived, Coral and Paul Jones gave an insight into the nightmare they continue to live.
Five-year-old April was last seen playing out on the Bryn-y-Gog estate at Machynlleth on October 1.
She had been allowed to play out late on her bike after getting a glowing school report.
Efforts to find her body in the rugged terrain around the close-knit mid-Wales town where she lived continue unabated.
Superintendent Ian John vowed the search would continue on the same scale and with equal numbers into the new year.
He spoke at a press conference in Machynlleth where he also announced the search would stop for two weeks during the festive break.
He read out the latest words from April’s parents.
“It has been 10 weeks since April, our beautiful little girl, was taken from us and the pain of our tragic loss doesn’t get any easier to bear,” they said.
“With support, we are taking each day at a time.
“The police family liaison team are helping us to get on with everyday life as well as keeping us up to date with the search plans and the work being done to prepare for the court case.
“The messages and support from all over the world have continued and we remain grateful that we are in people’s thoughts and prayers.”
They added: “We understand that Christmas will be a particularly difficult time without April being amongst us but as parents of Harley and Jazmin we will obviously acknowledge the festive season as best as we can.”