The house where schoolgirl April Jones was believed to be murdered is set to be razed to the ground.

The Welsh Government has bought the detached cottage in the village of Ceinws, near Machynlleth, mid Wales, where child killer Mark Bridger took the five-year-old.

Since the 2012 killing, the property has served as a grim reminder of the tragedy - with April's parents Coral and Paul leading the calls for its demolition.

A government spokesman said: "After discussions with the family, the Welsh Government has purchased the property connected to death of April Jones.

"The Welsh Government will now work with the local authority, the Jones family and the local community for the most appropriate future for the site - following demolition of the the property."

It is believed the Labour administration in Cardiff Bay have brokered a deal worth £149,000 with the owner of the cottage - which was rented by Bridger.

Bridger, 48, abducted April as she played near her home on the Bryn Y Gog estate in Machynlleth.

Detectives believe the former lifeguard dismembered her body at his rented cottage before going on to dispose of her remains at numerous locations around the countryside.

A statement by her parents read: "This is a huge weight off our minds. The loss of our beautiful daughter was bad enough, but the house has been a constant reminder of the tragic events."