A body found in the River Thames is that of an 11-year-old girl who went missing while playing near a causeway in east London, police have said.
Officers launched a search after Kaliyah Coa went missing near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich during a school inset day on Monday, 31 March.
The Metropolitan Police said they received a report of a body in the water in east London on Sunday, 13 April, and that a formal identification was conducted on Tuesday, 29 April, and later confirmed to be Kaliyah.
In a statement, Kaliyah’s family said: “Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much. Kaliyah went to a birthday party and never returned home to her family.
“The family would like to thank all those who were involved in the search and recovery of Kaliyah.
“We sincerely hope that everyone will respect our wishes to be given the space and time to grieve as a family.”
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who led the Met’s investigation, added: “This tragic accident took away a little girl who was loved by many. Our specialist officers will continue to support Kaliyah’s family as they process this heart-breaking news.
“I echo her family’s request for privacy while they navigate the difficult road ahead, and urge the public to refrain from wholly inaccurate speculation both on and offline.
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“I would like to extend my thanks to our search and recovery teams, supported by blue light partners. I know the local community has been deeply impacted by this incident and also thank them for their support.”
Emergency services were called at 1.23pm on 31 March after Kaliyah entered the water, with London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the RNLI and the coastguard carrying out an “extensive search” for the missing schoolgirl.
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Police release photo of missing Kaliyah Coa, 11
Body found after Kaliyah Coa went missing in River Thames
The Met Police then released her name and photo at the start of the month, and said officers were leading a recovery mission along the Thames to find her.
Barge House Causeway, near where the 11-year-old girl went missing, is a concrete slope that goes directly into the River Thames and is used to transport boats into the water.
Residents said the slope appeared to be covered in moss and was slippery.
An inquest into Kaliyah’s death is set to open on Friday, 2 May.
