Police have confirmed that a body recovered from the River Brent on Wednesday morning is the missing Hanwell teenager Alice Gross.
The news has confirmed the worst fears of Alice's family - who said they were "completely devastated" - and the many thousands of well wishers across Hanwell and west London.
In a statement, Alice's parents Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross, said: "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."
The couple asked that the public continue to help the police by passing on information that could help bring Alice's killer to justice.
They added: "We would like to thank all those that have supported us in our efforts to find Alice, especially the local community; it is comforting to know that so many people care. This is a personal and private tragedy and one which we want to be allowed to deal with in that manner, rather than fearing any individual or group will use it to further any political agenda. This is a time for grieving and not a time for anger or recriminations."
Alice, 14, had been a pupil at Brentside High School. The school released a statement saying its thoughts and sympathy were with Alice’s family at this time.
The statement added: "Alice was an outstanding and talented student who will be sorely missed from our school community. This is a very sad day for our school and we are devastated by this tragic loss. We are doing everything we can to support each other and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead.
"We would like to thank the MPS for their efforts in finding Alice and hope that the perpetrator of this awful crime is brought to justice very soon. If anyone has any information that may be of use to the police’s murder inquiry please do come forward."
Alice, from Hanwell, disappeared on the afternoon of August 28 after going for a walk along the Grand Union Canal. The prime suspect in her murder, Latvian builder Arnis Zalkans, was filmed by CCTV cycling along the same route shortly after. He has not been seen since September 3.
