Alice Condolence Book Placed in Town Hall
Flags over Council building lowered to half-mast as mark of respect
A book of condolence has been placed in Ealing Town Hall so that people can pay their respects to murdered teenager Alice Gross.
Following the confirmation that a body found in the River Brent late on Tuesday, 30 September was Alice, the council has lowered both the Union and borough flags to half-mast over Ealing Town Hall. The flags will also be lowered on the day of Alice’s funeral.
Alice’s parents, Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross thanked the local community for their support saying it was some comfort to know that so many people cared. They said: “We have been left completely devastated by the recent developments and it is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime. Why anyone would want to hurt her is something that we are struggling to come to terms with.
“Alice was a loving and much loved daughter and sister, a quirky live spark of a girl, beautiful inside and out. She was a funny companion, a loyal friend, both passionate and compassionate, and so talented with a bright future ahead of her. She brought so much joy to our family and those who knew her.”
Arwel Jones, the headteacher at Alice’s school, Brentside High said, "Our thoughts and sympathy are with Alice’s family at this time.
"Alice was an outstanding and talented student who will be sorely missed from our school community. This is a very sad day for our school and we are devastated by this tragic loss. We are doing everything we can to support each other and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead.
"We would like to thank the MPS for their efforts in finding Alice and hope that the perpetrator of this awful crime is brought to justice very soon. If anyone has any information that may be of use to the police’s murder inquiry please do come forward.
“To conclude, may I now ask you to respect the privacy of Alice’s family and our school community as we come to terms with this sad news.”
Ealing Council leader, Councillor Julian Bell said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Alice’s parents and sister.
“The yellow ribbons flying across our borough show how deeply our community has been affected and I know how devastated everyone will be by this tragic news. “
He also thanked the police and appealed to anyone with information to come forward if it would help the ongoing investigation.
Police say the appeal concerning Arnis Zalkalns, 41, continues and he is still a suspect in this investigation.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts or that can assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 0208 358 0100, the police non-emergency line 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
October 2, 2014
