"We're barely existing" the devastated Irish father of toddler Aisling Symes told a packed press conference in New Zealand today.

The heartbreak and agony was etched all over the faces of Aisling's devastated parents, Alan and Angela, as they pleaded for their daughter to be returned.

Grief-striken Angela, her head bowed throughout the conference, cried softly as her husband Alan spoke.

"These recent days have proved to be the most harrowing of our lives. No sleep, we feel like we're barely existing, surviving every moment not knowing where Aisling is. Is she near us? Or has she been moved far away?" Waterford man Alan told the press in a clear, but hushed, tone.

Sobbing

"Thoughts churn through us as we huddle close as a family and we try to wait to find out if there's anything," said Alan, while tenderly embracing his sobbing wife.

"To the people of New Zealand, who have offered their love, support, we'd like to say to you a big thank-you, particulary to church members, police and our community of West Auckland."

For the last segment of his statement, Alan's voice began to waiver and his wife cried a little more as he reminded the media once more that Aisling is their beloved daughter, and any information on her whereabouts would be greatly appreciated.

"Aisling is our two-year-old daughter, a sister of Caitlin, a cousin and a beloved niece and granddaughter. We want her back, so please if you have any information, any at all, please come forward," Alan urged.

At this stage, Angela couldn't contain her grief any more and the couple made a swift exit.

Inspector Gary Davey said police now had about 40 people on their criminal investigation team. He urged anyone who had Aisling to ensure she was returned home safely, either by coming to police or dropping her off at a safe point.

Insp Davey, who is heading up the investigation into Aisling's disappearance, gently guided Angela and Alan, telling the media it was a brave move on their part. Clearly unused to such attention, Aisling's disappearance has propelled her distraught parents into the spotlight as they make a desperate bid to find their daughter.

The press conference took place today in New Zealand at approximately 3pm (3am Irish time).

Suspected

The media briefing was the first time Aisling's parents spoke to the media since her suspected abduction on Monday close to her grandparents' home in Longburn Road, Henderson.

Insp Davey told the conference that police conducted a thorough search of the area with no sign of Aisling, and concerns are continuing to grow.

It was initially thought that Aisling might have wandered off and slipped into a nearby stream. However, following an extensive search of the area and no sign of the toddler, fears are growing that Aisling could have been snatched in an opportunistic abduction.

jlast@herald.ie

- Jane Last