Stepfather remanded over missing girl

Mike Baldwin is led into court, covered by a coat

The stepfather of missing Jenna Baldwin has been remanded in custody by Newport magistrates charged with the 15-year-old's murder.

Factory worker Mike Baldwin, 36, had been held at Newport's central police station since Tuesday night, when he was arrested near his family home in Aberyschan near Pontypool.

The teenager has not been seen for seven weeks

There was no application for bail. Mr Baldwin will next appear at the city's crown court on Friday.

Meanwhile, Gwent Police are sifting through evidence to decide the next place to search for the body of Jenna - who has been missing from her home for nearly eight weeks.

A detailed search of woodland and a disused quarry in the area is expected to restart later this week.

Last week officers employed specially-trained dogs which are used to search for human remains.

Heavy rain and fog foiled plans to carry out an air search using a helicopter with heat-seeking equipment on board.

Teams from other force areas have been drafted in to help, but have so far found no clues to the teenager's disappearance.

Jenna's family and police have made numerous appeals for her return.

Local people or visitors who may have seen suspicious people or vehicles in isolated locations in the area have been urged to come forward.