MACHYNLLETH, United Kingdom — Mark Bridger, the man suspected of murdering five-year-old April Jones, wept during his first court appearance on Monday as police continued their search for the toddler.
Bridger, 46, was remanded in custody after his tearful appearance at Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court.
Standing in the dock for the four-minute hearing, he confirmed his name, age and address.
When the clerk read out the murder charge and asked if he understood, Bridger answered "yes" with a tremor in his voice and tears in his eyes, according to the Press Association.
Bridger was arrested on Tuesday, the day after the schoolgirl disappeared, and was originally held on suspicion of abduction, but investigators on Friday revealed he had been detained on suspicion of murder.
Jones was last seen on Monday in Machynlleth getting into a vehicle.
Around 100 police officers are searching for the missing girl around her home town of Machynlleth in mid-Wales.
The search has been played out in the glare of television cameras, with every stage being followed closely by the media who have descended on the Montgomeryshire town.
Police have revealed that April needs regular medication for cerebral palsy, further increasing fears for her wellbeing.
Pink ribbons have appeared on houses across the town after April's mother asked people to wear pink, her daughter's favourite colour, in solidarity.
There were angry scenes as people gathered outside the court ahead of Monday's hearing.
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