Police checkpoints are still operating around the rural Welsh town where April Jones went missing more than a week ago, despite officers admitting they may never find the five-year old.
Speaking after Mark Bridger made a tearful appearance in court, charged with the abduction and murder of April, Supt Ian John said:
"We have to prepare for the time when we accept that we might never find April.
"But we are optimistic that the work we are doing is going to give us the best possible chance.
Police have admitted they may not find April despite continuing to search for the five-year-old
"If we have to face that consequence, then we will do so and we will share that with the family and the wider community of Machynlleth," he added.
18 police teams are still looking for April and roadblocks are still in place, with officers hopeful that drivers may remember details that may help find the five-year-old.
Former life-guard Bridger is to appear via videolink at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday.
April Jones has now been missing for a week
The 46-year-old also faces charges of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.
His presence at Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court provoked angry scenes, with members of the public punching and kicking the police van which brought him to court, while members of the crowd shouted "Scum" and "F****** kill him".
Mark Bridger's voice cracked in court as he confirmed he understood the charges
Meanwhile poignant tributes were paid to the memory of missing five-year-old April Jones on Monday night as Chinese lanterns were released into the sky.
Well-wishers lit candles and released the glowing lights at around 7pm after the girl's parents asked for the five-year-old to be remembered one week on from her disappearance.
Blackpool Tower was lit pink in tribute to the missing schoolgirl. Pink was April's favourite colour
It is believed Coral Jones, 40, and husband Paul, 44, released their own Chinese lantern from their garden in Machynlleth.