The 14-year-old schoolgirl vanished a month ago while walking along a towpath in West London, and the widespread hunt for her has sadly ended in tragedy this afternoon.

MURDER ENQUIRY LAUNCHED AFTER BODY PULLED FROM RIVER BRENT

Her parents are said to be ‘completely devastated’ by the loss of their teenage daughter, whose remains were found just yards from where her backpack was discovered 28 days ago.

Alice’s parents Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross said they were finding it ‘difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime’ this evening.

POLICE IN ALICE GROSS SEARCH COMB PARKLAND NEAR HER DISAPPEARANCE

They added that their daughter was a ‘quirky 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,’ the family said in a statement.

‘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.’

The family have now asked for privacy so that they can grieve for their teenage daughter.

Prime Suspect Arnis Zalkans, 41, is still being hunted by police, after disappearing at the same time as Alice. The convicted murderer, who is originally from Latvia, was seen on the same towpath about 10 minutes behind Alice.

Our thoughts go out to the Gross family at this difficult time.