A BODY found in the River Thames has been confirmed as an 11-year-old girl who slipped and fell in while playing with pals.
Kaliyah Coawhile paddling with a friend near Woolwich,, at the end of March.
A body was found in Maritime Quay on Sunday, April 13.
The Metropolitan Police have now sadly confirmed this to be Kaliyah.
A force spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a girl entering the River Thames at 13:23hrs on Monday, 31 March.
“Kaliyah had been playing near Barge House Causeway during a school inset day.
“First responders arrived on the scene swiftly to support His Majesty’s Coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade in a large scale search and rescue effort.”;
In a statement Kaliyah’s heartbroken 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.
“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.”;
