THE stepfather of missing Jenna Baldwin appeared in court today as the search for the Abersychan schoolgirl continued.

Detectives successfully asked Newport magistrates to grant extra time to quiz Michael Baldwin, (pictured) 37, over the schoolgirl's disappearance.

Mr Baldwin was arrested at 4.30pm on Tuesday in connection with his 15-year-old stepdaughter's disappearance.

Yesterday, detectives questioning Mr Baldwin received a 12-hour extension to keep him in custody before charging or releasing him.

Today he appeared in court as the police asked for a 24-hour extension.

Police, who were continuing their search of land near the family's new home in Limekiln Road, Pont-newynydd, Pontypool, today, were due to apply to the court for another 12-hour custody extension. Mr Baldwin was due to appear before magistrates.

Jenna was last seen at the family's then home in Ffrwd Road, Abersychan, on September 10, but has not made direct contact with family and friends since.

Police say items they found in a quarry near Limekiln Road yesterday have been ruled out of the investigation.

Police search teams in heavy waterproofs and wellingtons searched an area normally used by walkers and their dogs in heavy rain yesterday, followed by forensic teams.

The man leading the investigation, Chief Inspector John Oliver, said 60 officers were involved in the Jenna case yesterday, with 20 of those searching the dense undergrowth of the wood looking for clues. He said: "We are looking for items of clothing or any sign at all, but we realise we could be looking for a body.

"The weather doesn't help but today we are focusing on a disused quarry. It's in an area that isn't frequented that often and there's a lot of undergrowth.

"After that the search could spread to Abersychan, Pontypool and Abergavenny. We are looking at this type of terrain."

He said that although the woods at Pontnewynydd had been searched by a helicopter and dogs, there were pockets of woodland that needed a closer inspection today. Residents on Limekiln Road were upset and surprised to see a fleet of police vans parked near the fire station.

On resident, Queenie Curson, said: "I could see police going through the wood. You never think about such things until they happen on your doorstep.

"The woods are popular with children going for a smoke or to use scrambling bikes." Mrs Irene Jones, another Limekiln Road resident, said: "I walk my dog up there and so do many others.

"But it's a very big place and overgrown. The police have a difficult job." Chief Inspector Oliver added: "The searches are going on and our worst fears may be realised that she's not alive.

"We have to consider the possibility that we maybe searching for a body." He also appealed for residents or visitors near the search sights who had seen any person or vehicle in an isolated area acting suspiciously to contact them. The incident room number is 01495 232 260.