Alice Gross murder: BBC Question Time apologises to sister for ‘insensitive’ debate

Nina Gross criticised programme over use of Alice’s death for 'political agenda'

14-year-old Alice Gross (AFP PHOTO / METROPOLITAN POLICE)

The BBC has apologised to the sister of murdered teenager Alice Gross for an “extremely insensitive” debate relating to her death that occurred in an episode of Question Time.

Alice’s body was discovered in a west London river on Tuesday evening, after she went missing from her home in Hanwell on 28 August.

Latvian builder Arnis Zalkalns, who has been missing since the 14-year-old disappeared, was named as a suspect by detectives before Alice was found.

On 2 October, Question Time host David Dimbleby said a question had been submitted which referred to Alice’s death, which asked: "Should there be freedom of movement including convicted criminals across EU borders?"

Nina, Alice’s 19-year-old sister, criticised the show on Twitter for using the teenager’s death as a topic of debate during a time when her family are mourning.

“This is a personal tragedy which we want to deal with privately, rather than fearing anyone using it for any political agenda,” she wrote.

“It is extremely insensitive to use my family’s tragedy for political agendas and discussion. This is a time of grief for our family.”

The official Question Time account responded to Nina with an apologetic tweet: "Dear Nina, we're sorry to hear this. We're really sorry for any hurt or offence caused by tonight's programme."

Nina replied: “Thank you”.