The family of murdered Hanwell schoolgirl Alice Gross have told of their indescribable pain over her ‘senseless’ death.
Musically talented Alice, 14, was brutally killed in August last year in a sexually motivated attack by convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns, police believe.
Her parents, Ros Hodgkiss and Jose Gross and her older sister, Nina, released a statement following today's shocking revelation .
They said: “It remains impossible to describe the pain of losing Alice. Her death has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. Every day is full of reminders of her life and her loss, and it is hard to imagine a future in which we can find peace or healing. Her brutal murder remains shocking, an appallingly senseless act that is still difficult to believe or understand.”
The Met Police defended themselves today after questions were asked about them taking a week to turn Alice’s missing persons case into a homicide case and how long it took to find her body.
Alice’s family has backed the police up and said: “We are confident in the conclusions of the police investigation. Despite the criticism that the police have received in the media, throughout this hideous time we have found they have remained at all times dedicated and sensitive and we would like to thank them for their support and professionalism.”
However, Alice’s family said how they have a number of serious unanswered questions about what the authorities knew or should have known about Arnis Zalkalns when he came to the UK as a convicted murderer who killed his wife in his native Latvia.
They said Alice believed in the free movement of people so will be asking human rights campaign, Liberty, to help them and are hoping to find out more answers from the inquest into Alice’s death which is set for Thursday (January 29).
During the search for Alice and after her naked body was found wrapped in a black bin bag, weighted down with bricks in the River Brent, the community in Hanwell pulled together in their support for the family.
Yellow ribbons became a symbol of hope as they adorned the area and today the family showed their gratitude for Hanwell. “We would like to thank the local community,” they said. “Hanwell is a multi-cultural and multi-faith area; the search and grief for Alice united the whole community in an extraordinary display of sympathy and compassion, and this has continued. We are very grateful.”
Following her death on August 28 a foundation was set up in Alice’s name to provide music for disadvantaged children as Alice was a talented singer. Hundreds witnessed her talent when two songs she recorded were played at her memorial service, bringing many to tears.
The family added: “We have also been astonished by the continuing support of the public for Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund, which we hope will grow, and provide a sustainable legacy of music for disadvantaged children.
“The fund has so far raised £17,000, and has been supported by so many individuals, businesses and events. We would like to thank all those who have donated or given up their time to organise collections or put on gigs in tribute to Alice’s memory, particularly those who have organised independent events through the Youth Music ‘give a gig’ scheme.”
The family revealed they are planning to hold a music event in the summer as a celebration of Alice’s life and passion for music, which they hope will become an annual event to promote opportunities for young musicians.
