April Jones' inquest will finally allow for funeral
An inquest was due to be opened today into the death of murdered schoolgirl April Jones.
The youngster was snatched by Mark Bridger outside her home in Machynlleth on October 1 last year before being killed by the 47-year-old.
Despite one of the biggest search operations in police history, the five-year-old's body has never been found.
Officers did manage to recover fragments of a child's skull from the ashes of Bridger's fireplace at his home in Ceinws.
April's parents Coral and Paul hope their daughter's inquest, which was taking place in Welshpool this morning, will enable them to finally lay what remains of their daughter to rest.
It is expected the hearing will result in a death certificate being issued – and allow her family to make funeral arrangements.
Hundreds of people are expected to turn up to say their farewells to the little girl, with a possible venue being St Peter's Church in Machynlleth.
