A book of condolence has been placed in Ealing Town Hall so that people can pay their respects to murdered teenager Alice Gross. 

Following the confirmation that a body found in the River Brent late on Tuesday, September 30 was Alice, the council has lowered both the Union and borough flags to half-mast over Ealing Town Hall.

The flags will also be lowered on the day of Alice’s funeral.  

Missing Alice Gross posters were yesterday taken down from the streets of Ealing. Alice's family have requested via the Find Alice Gross Facebook group that yellow ribbons be left up but have not encouraged people to leave flowers around Hanwell, although they say that if people would like to leave flowers they would ask them to do so at the Hanwell clock tower.

Alice Gross
Alice Gross

Alice’s parents, Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross said: “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.”

Her parents also thanked the local community for their support, adding, “It is comforting to know that so many people care.”

Alice Gross' family have requested that flowers should be left at Hanwell Clock Tower

Alice was a pupil at Brentside High School in Hanwell. The school has issued the following statement from headteacher Arwel Jones: "Our thoughts and sympathy are with Alice’s family at this time.

"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. 

“To conclude, may I now ask you to respect the privacy of Alice’s family and our school community as we come to terms with this sad news.” 

Ealing Council leader, Councillor Julian Bell said: “Yesterday was the day that everyone had dreaded. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Alice’s parents and sister.  

“The yellow ribbons flying across our borough show how deeply our community has been affected and I know how devastated everyone will be by this tragic news.  As a sign of respect the council has lowered the Union and borough flags to half-mast over Ealing Town Hall. We have also placed a book of condolence in the town hall for members of the public to sign.

“On behalf of the community I would like to thank the police officers involved in the search for their dedication and perseverance.  It is essential that Alice’s killer is caught so I would appeal to anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and help the police investigation.”