The Evangelical Alliance in Wales is urging people to pray for April Jones, a five-year-old girl who is believed to have been abducted.

Police are investigating reports that April was seen getting into a van near her home in Machynlleth, mid-Wales at 7pm yesterday.

April is believed to have been wearing a purple coat with a fur hood, white polo top and black trousers when she went missing.

Hundreds have joined the search, with social media also playing an important role in spreading news about her abduction.

Speaking at a press conference today, Det Supt Reg Bevan said April had been playing with another child before she went missing.

He said: "They describe it as small at the front and large at the back, so it could be interpreted that this could be something similar to a Ford Connect type van or a Land Rover.

"Furthermore April has been described as getting into the driver's side of the vehicle. This may be because she got in with the driver or that it is left hand drive vehicle.

"We still believe that the van is grey or light coloured, but again these things can be affected by failing light and street lamps.

"The indications are that she got into the vehicle willingly... There's nothing to suggest at this stage there was a struggle."

Elfed Godding, national director of the Evangelical Alliance Wales, said: "For the welfare of April and to support her family, I would urge the people of Wales to pray for April's safe return.

"Social media is proving to be very helpful in this investigation and I would encourage people to tweet their prayers by using the hashtag #findapril."

A hotline number has been set up for anyone who might have information on April's whereabouts - 0300 2000 333.