Oh no. Not another little Madeleine.

Thanks, when, I always appreciate your knowledgeable information. I can see why they want to publicise the story in case people might have something useful to tell them, but it does sometimes seem that newspaper (not just the tabloids, I have had a quick look at some of the 'quality' papers now) believe that a poor relationship/employment history makes someone likely to commit this kind of crime.

Greatnan the police will have profiled the suspect, along with other profiles and tests concerning the child and the demographics of offenders in that area, to try to narrow down the possibilities. One major criminal assessment looks at those factors that show higher risk when combined with other risk factors, and they get a score on each of the factors that indicates where to investigate further. Previous partners, employers, prison officers, probation officers or social workers may be interviewed, or come forward to say if anything concerned them about the suspect's behaviour in the past. You can be sure that every sentence uttered by the police in their bulletins has been put together in the light of these assessments and tests, to optimise the chance of triggering some nugget of information to help find the child.

I have just realised that I have posted about April in past tense – shows what my subconscious is anticipating. I hope it's well and truly wrong.

Not just the tabloids Greatnan. They may be using more OMG language & headlines, but the same information - plus his alleged weapon collection - is reported in the broadsheets.

Some tabloid newspapers have made play of the fact that the suspect has had a troubled past, several relationships, and poor employment history. I am not sure why they think this is relevant, other than just to blacken his name.

If there is someone else involved it might mean that April is still alive at least. I've been so worried that she's been left alone and frightened with no food or warmth. I know it might mean worse things too but if there's any chance she's still alive....

Does it seem likely that the man they have arrested has been the only adult involved in this? It's beginning to look like something a bit more organised. Harrowing, a complete nightmare.

It goes from bad to worse. It has now been revealed that the little girl suffered from cerebral palsy and needed daily medication.

Hunt, yes you are right. As with Soham the danger isn't the stranger, its the people you know, from family to neighbours.

The police have asked the volunteers to stand down and leave the search to the experts. I believe thay have also called on the RNLI inshore team and are searching the river banks.

The awful thing is I think that she didn't get into a car with a stranger but with someone whom she knew as he was acquainted with her parents. Have I got this right?

Are the police looking for anyone else? If not! I fear the worst.

My 6 yr old twin GDs have to be in bed by 7.30 otherwise they're tired and grumpy next day! They certainly wouldn't be playing out at 7 on a school night, but that's just DD (and me!). I dare say the child's parents will never forgive themselves as it is, so I'm trying not to be judgemental.

Thank you Sook , I was starting to think that my ideas might be totally out of date, but surely for a little one of that age, and (presumably) going to school, it might be something along the lines of tea/supper whatever you call your evening meal at around 5 or 6 pm. followed by a little tv, then bath, jamas, story and bed?

It's a very sad situation and I hope she is found quickly and unharmed. I am thinking along the same lines as phoenix that a 5 year old child should be safe at home at 7pm on an Autumn evening.

I can't bear this - not another child. The thought of a little girl so frightened and wanting her mum, is harrowing. I hope she's found alive and well very quickly.

They have found an abandoned van, though.

I was hopeful that as they had arrested someone they had found her, but I am afraid not. The police have roadblocks on the roads leading into the small town nearby - I just hope and pray that April is found safe and well.

It is an awful situation, but I can't help thinking that a 5 year old should have been at home at 7pm in the evening at this time of year.

All prayers and good wishes that she is found safe and well.

They've arrested a 46-year-old man, according to breaking news.

It must be a living nightmare for the little one's parents. We can't begin to imagine what it must be like for an innocent child.

I do hope they find her safe and well. Her family must be going through hell .

Poor child. Poor parents.

This is unbearable - every parent's worst nightmare.

Can only add my agreement to what others have said. It breaks my heart to think of her being frightened and wanting her Mum. I pray she is found well and unharmed.

How do you warn a small child not to go with strangers without making them paranoid - it must be very difficult.

I can remember this being drummed into me when I was a child to such an extent that I trusted no-one, even when a friend of my father's who I knew well, stopped and offered me a lift to school - I wouldn't get in the car.