Mark Bridger a ‘ladies’ man’

On the estate where April lives, he is on nodding terms with many and is thought of as a bit of a “ladies’ man”.

In a close-knit market town of 2,000 people, even those who mind their own business are well-known to others.

Railwayman Glen Lewis, 50, remembers Mr Bridger moving to the town to work as a lifeguard 15 years ago.

Mr Bridger, 46, has claimed to be a former soldier, though the Ministry of Defence has no record. What is known is that he has worked at various times as a welder, a mechanic and a hotel porter, and he did shifts at an abattoir.