Mother speaks of 'gorgeous' river death girl

The mother of tragic river plunge five-year-old Gabrielle Grady today paid tribute to her "gorgeous baby girl", calling her "the cutest angel there has ever been".

In a statement released by police on her behalf, a day after her daughter lost a three-day fight for life, devastated Kim Wise said: "What do I love about Gabby? Everything.

"The cutest smile you have ever seen, on the cutest angel there has ever been."

Gabrielle and her six-year-old brother Ryan were airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital on Thursday after the car they were in plunged into the icy cold River Avon in Evesham, Worcestershire.

Police divers rescued Ryan from the vehicle, a silver Vauxhall Vectra estate, but Gabrielle was trapped underwater for almost two hours and died yesterday.

In a self-penned poem dedicated to Gabrielle, Miss Smith, 36, said: "Bed time cuddles were always the best, her little podgy fingers wrapped round my neck, noses touching, just breathing each other in.

"Gorgeous baby girl, sparkling like a diamond in my life. Beautiful beyond belief.

"Bubbly, sparkly, funny and sweet. I thought you came into my life forever to keep.

"My loss is forever, but you will be with me for all time. Lots of love, hugs and kisses. Mommy."

Ryan, who was critically ill when first admitted to hospital, is said to be recovering well and was discharged yesterday.

The children's father and Miss Wise's ex-partner, Chris Grady, 41, appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Saturday, charged with two counts of attempted murder. Detectives said Gabrielle's death meant the incident was now being treated as a murder investigation.