SEVERN Area Rescue Association (SARA) has been put on heightened awareness in case it is called on to aid the search of missing five-year-old April Jones.

SARA crews, which cover the river Severn in Worcester, are currently on standby to join the search for April, who was abducted while playing outside her home in Machynlleth, mid-Wales, on Monday evening.

They could be called on to help with the search of the River Dyfi, or to provide cover for the areas of other rescue crews.

Crews could also be relied on to help provide mountain searches in the area, or cover mountain search and rescue crews already involved in the hunt.

A spokeswoman for SARA said: “At this stage we are on heightened awareness and would help with the search or provide cover if we are requested.

“However, if we are called up there will be a crew left back to cover our area.”

Police, RNLI and coastguards were carrying out searches along the river and its banks today while police continue to question Mark Bridger, 46, on suspicion of abduction.

Meanwhile it has been revealed that April suffers from cerebral palsy and requires daily medication.