Estelle Clayton has been missing since 11 April

Police trying to find a four-year-old girl who may have been abducted by her father have had an encouraging number of calls about her disapperance.

There are fears that Estelle Clayton may have been taken to Morocco by her father Simon ahead of a court hearing over her custody.

On Monday, her mother Aneta, 29, made an emotional plea for her daughter's return - she disappeared on 11 April during an access visit to her father.

Police have now said they are encouraged by the response from the public and are chasing up several leads.

"There are possible sightings from Europe - one interestingly from Spain and another possible from Germany," said Chief Inspector Andy Twigger, from Dyfed-Powys Police.

"All of these things will be followed up but that is going to take us some time."

But officers in Brecon said they were disappointed they had not heard from Mr Clayton.

'Missing her'

Mrs Clayton, from Brecon, told a press conference at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters near Carmarthen that she was desperately missing her daughter, who is known as Esti to her family and friends.

"Esti is a very happy, pretty girl - full of life and energy," said Mrs Clayton, who is originally from Poland.

Mr Clayton is a Hay-on-Wye book dealer

"I am missing her terribly and I am sure that she is missing me and her friends."

Mrs Clayton broke down in tears and had to stop several times to compose herself during the press conference.

Detective Inspector Steve Hughson, who is leading the inquiry, said concerns were growing by the day but police had no reason to fear for Estelle's safety.

Mr Clayton left a note at his house saying that he was taking his daughter on a holiday for three weeks and had booked a place on a ferry that left Portsmouth that day for Caen in France.

DI Steve Hughson and Aneta Clayton at the press conference

Detectives believe it is possible father and daughter were headed for Spain or Morocco, where they had been on holiday last year.

The Claytons have been separated for three years. They married in 1997 after meeting in Poland where Mr Clayton had travelled on business.

The custody of the girl is still being decided by the courts.

The pair are thought to be travelling in a red Volkswagen Caravelle, registration number A276 OFJ.

The police also appealed to holidaymakers - either leaving or returning from Europe - for any information about sightings of the pair.