Hanwell's clock tower, festooned with yellow flowers, ribbons, teddy bears, candles and cards has become a symbol for a community in mourning over the murder of school girl Alice Gross.
In 30 years of policing Detective Superintendent Carl Mehta, who became a spokesperson during the ongoing investigation, has said that he has never before seen a community so united as Hanwell.
Ealing council have this week planted yellow flowers opposite the clock tower in the centre of the devastated community and have flown the flag at half mast on Ealing Town Hall since her body was recovered from the River Brent on September 30.
A book of condolence has been opened in Ealing Town Hall and Hanwell Library. Hanwell RFC played their home game against Hammersmith and Fulham on the weekend wearing yellow armbands. Yellow ribbons were also tied on each goal post, as a mark of respect to the family of 14-year-old Alice Gross.
The community is clearly still reeling over the events of the past month and half, which have brought never before scenes to their leafy London surburb.
Council leader Julian Bell is open to discussions about a permanent memorial if the Gross family wants one.
He said: "It is very premature to say now whether a permanent memorial to Alice should be created or not. This will of course be something that would need to come from her devastated family who may not want one. If they do however it is certainly something we as a council would discuss with them. But the time is not now. It is all very raw and we are all still reeling from the horrific recent events that have rocked this community.
"Now is a time for nurturing, healing and grieving. A time for privacy and respect. We have planted yellow flowers near the clock tower as a gesture of remembrance and tribute."
Jagjit Rao, 34, from Hanwell said: "I have lived in Hanwell all my life and have never seen scenes like we've had over the last couple of months. It has been truly awful. The whole of Hanwell are devastated and united in their support and love of Alice and her family. I have been here at the clock tower every day since her body was found, refreshing the candles and bringing flowers. She could have been my little sister or niece. We are one family here and everyone feels the same; pure outrage that one of our own was taken in broad daylight. There are no words."
Sheila House, 80, from Greenford travelled from her home especially to lay flowers at the clock tower. She said: "I had to come to lay flowers and sign the condolence book. It is the very least I can do. I just cannot comprehend what the family must be going through. I have four grown up grandchildren. You just worry for them in a world like this. It is just horrific. This has affected me very badly. I just feel so sad and have done since Alice vanished. We all had hope at first but this diminished as time went on and she wasen't found. It is just tragic."
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.
“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.
“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.
"We trust that the press will behave responsibly and not publish any material that might jeopardise any future criminal proceedings.
"We now ask for our privacy to be respected to allow us time to grieve as a family.”
A police spokesman said: "Although Arnis Zalkalns had been identified as a suspect in the Alice Gross murder investigation, enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding this crime.
"Officers are still searching for evidence, and once again appeal to the public for any information that could assist them.
"We again thank the public and media for helping us with this ongoing investigation. In particular we are grateful for the support of the local community in Ealing.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact us on 0208 358 0100."
