Body found in River Thames identified as missing 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, police say

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 Woolwich during a school inset day on 31 March.

The Metropolitan Police said they received a report of a body in the water in Maritime Quay on The Isle of Dogs, in east London, on 13 April.

Formal identification was conducted on Tuesday, and 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 heartbreaking 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."

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.

An inquest into Kaliyah’s death is set to open on Friday 2 May.

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