A former lifeguard wept as he appeared in court accused of the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones.

Mark Bridger, 46, stood in the dock of Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court as the charges were put to him.

He has also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The latter charge refers to the unlawful disposal and concealment of a body.

Bridger cried to himself as he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.

He also confirmed he understood the charges.

Bridger appeared on the verge of tears throughout the hearing, which lasted around four minutes.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday.

April, who suffers from cerebral palsy and needs daily medication, was last seen near her home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate in Machynlleth on Monday evening.

Bridger was arrested the following day.

There were angry scenes outside the court as the van carrying Bridger arrived for the hearing earlier on.