Body found in River Thames confirmed to be missing schoolgirl as family ‘heartbroken’

11-year-old Kaliyah Coa had attended a birthday party and never returned home

11-year-old Kaliyah Coa's body was found in the River Thames (Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

The family of an 11-year-old girl have said their “hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same” after her body was confirmed to have been found in the River Thames.

The Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday that a body found in Maritime Quay on The Isle of Dogs, east London, on April 13 is Kaliyah Coa.

She had been reported missing on March 31 after playing near Barge House Causeway in Woolwich during a school inset day.

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.

Kaliyah’s family said: “Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same.” (Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

“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.”

An inquest into Kaliyah’s death is due to open on Friday.