FOLLOWING the discovery of a body in the River Brent last night, Commander Graham McNulty spoke this morning about the latest phase in the hunt for missing Hanwell schoolgirl Alice Gross.

He stressed police were unable to make a formal identification at this stage, but said the news was devastating for everyone involved in the search for Alice.

“This is now a murder investigation and I need the public's help to find whoever is responsible,” said Cdr McNulty.

“I would urge anyone who may know something to come forward. Even if you have not yet spoken out it is not too late to tell us what you know.

“I would like to thank the local community of Ealing who have shown huge support and patience during the course of our investigation. This discovery will have a significant impact throughout the borough.

“You only need to walk around the surrounding streets to see the effect that Alice's disappearance has had on the whole community.

“Our work at the scene is crucial to ensure we capture all the available evidence allowing us to identify who is responsible for this dreadful crime.

“This may take some time, and I ask people to remain patient with us.

“I can confirm that significant efforts were made to conceal the body.”

He said he did not wish to speculate any further on what had happened.

“I would like to reiterate my request that Alice's family and friends are given the time to come to terms with this news,” he said.

“My thoughts, and those of all of us in the Metropolitan Police, are with them at this difficult time.”