The hunt for the prime suspect in the disappearance of teenager Alice Gross looks set to escalate after search teams found a body in a river and launched a murder inquiry.
Convicted killer Arnis Zalkalns, who was spotted following the 14-year-old along a tow path when she was last seen, vanished nearly a month ago.
Scotland Yard has come under fire for delays in identifying the 41-year-old Latvian as a risk, and so far has not been able to apply for a European Arrest Warrant due to lack of evidence.
Today Metropolitan Police Commander Graham McNulty said that “significant efforts” were made to hide the body, which was found in the River Brent near Alice’s family home in Hanwell, west London.
But he gave no further explanation as to why it has taken more than a month for any significant progress to be made in the hunt for Alice, despite the force holding the biggest search since the aftermath of the July 7th bombings.
Speaking at Scotland Yard, the senior officer said: “We are unable to make a formal identification at this stage, but clearly this news is devastating for everyone involved in the search for Alice.
“At this time my thoughts are with Alice’s family and friends. I would ask you to respect their privacy and allow them space.
“This is now a murder investigation and I need the public’s help to find whoever is responsible.”
He added: “Even if you have not yet spoken out it is not too late to tell us what you know.”
Alice was last seen on CCTV walking along a tow path beside the Grand Union Canal in west London on the afternoon of August 28th.
Nearly three weeks later investigators realised that Mr Zalkalns, who disappeared on September 3rd and was reported missing two days later, had been cycling behind her.
He served seven years in prison in his native country for bludgeoning and stabbing his wife Rudite to death.
Alice’s disappearance prompted an outpouring of support in her local community, where yellow ribbons and bows still adorn the streets.
Posters are taped to walls, lampposts and car windscreens, while sunflower-colour strands of material are tied to doorknobs — many inscribed with a simple message: “Find Alice.”
Press Association