Family 'completely devastated' as police confirm body found of Alice Gross
THE family of Alice Gross said they are "completely devastated" after police tonight confirmed a body found in a river was that of the missing teenager.
Officers announced a murder probe following the discovery in London and detectives had said "significant efforts" were made to hide it.
The teenager's family said in a statement: "We have been left completely devastated by the recent developments and it is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime.
"Why anyone would want to hurt her is something that we are struggling to come to terms with.
"Alice was a loving and much loved daughter and sister, a quirky live spark of a girl, beautiful inside and out.
"She was a funny companion, a loyal friend, both passionate and compassionate, and so talented with a bright future ahead of her. She brought so much joy to our family and those who knew her.
"We still don't know who is responsible for this crime and we ask that people continue to help the police by giving them information that could help bring the perpetrator to justice."
It is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime
The family asked time to grieve for the "personal and private tragedy" and asked for their privacy to be respected during this period.
They also asked that no "individual or group" will use the teen's death to "further any political agenda".
Convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns, who was filmed cycling the same route behind the teenager, was named as a suspect in her disappearance by police last week.
He was last seen at his home in Ealing, west London, on September 3.
Zalkalns served seven years in prison in his native country for bludgeoning and stabbing his wife Rudite to death.
He is thought to have come to the UK in 2007 from Latvia, but UK authorities apparently had no record of this conviction.
"The family has been informed of this development and the investigation continues."
A post-mortem examination began today at Uxbridge Mortuary and is expected to continue tomorrow due to the "complex nature" of the investigation, the force said.
Alice went missing over a month ago after leaving her home in Hanwell, west London.
Since her disappearance, yellow ribbons have adorned local streets and are now being placed alongside floral tributes near the scene being investigated by police – where forensic tents have been erected.
North Ealing MP Steve Pound, who lives in the next road to the Gross family, told BBC Radio 4: “There’s an entire community around here which has gathered round in support of the family.
"Hanwell and Ealing is a sea of ribbons — you’ve never seen anything like it. That love and outpouring of affection will continue.”
Commenting on the discovery of a body earlier today, Metropolitan Police Commander Graham McNulty said: "We are unable to make a formal identification at this stage, but clearly this news is devastating for everyone involved in the search for Alice.
"I can confirm that significant efforts were made to conceal the body.
"This is now a murder investigation and I need the public's help to find whoever is responsible."
He added: "At this time my thoughts are with Alice's family and friends. I would ask you to respect their privacy and allow them space."
Alice was last seen on CCTV footage walking along the towpath next to the Grand Union Canal at around 4.30pm on August 28.
As a result of her disappearance, hundreds of officers have been searching for the schoolgirl in the Met's largest operation since the 7/7 bombings.
Earlier this week, the RAF were called in to help with the investigation and police began to dredge the canal in a particular "area of interest" yesterday.