The family of an 11-year-old schoolgirl have been informed after a body was found during a two-week search of the River Thames.
Kaliyah Coa, who had been playing with another young girl and boy during a school inset day, slipped into the water before a life ring could be thrown to her, residents said.
She entered the river near Barge House Causeway, close to London City Airport, in east London on Monday, March 31.
Teams from the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the RNLI and the Coastguard all joined the search.
The Metropolitan Police was alerted to a body in Maritime Quay around 9am on Sunday.
A force spokesman said: “The body is yet to be formally identified.
“However, the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of this development and are being supported by specialist officers.
“An update will be provided following formal identification.
“Kaliyah's family ask that privacy is respected at this time.”
Barge House Causeway is a concrete slope that goes directly into the Thames and is used to transport boats.
Residents pointed out that it appeared to be covered in moss and is slippery.
One of them Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, told reporters Kaliyah was “paddling” in the water and “must have slipped”.
Ms Benadjaoud said a male neighbour told her he had called police.
She said: “But he said at the time he could see her [the girl’s] hands going down. So, by the time I got down there with the ring I couldn’t find her.”
Another local Shaleen Rajaendram, 59, said: “I heard upstairs a guy was screaming ‘wait there, wait, the police is coming’.”
Last week, police warned Londoners to “never underestimate the risks” of open water swimming as temperatures rose.
Academy football prospect Izaiah Smith, 15, died after getting into difficulties at Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham, on Friday, April 4.
Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who leads the Met’s Marine Policing Unit, said: “I want to make a direct appeal to the public: please enjoy London’s waterways safely, but never underestimate the risks.
“Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive.
“Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers.
“Once a person is in the Thames, for example, they will almost definitely struggle to keep afloat or in control.
“The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.”
Izaiah’s team, Dorking Wanderers FC, paid tribute to him, describing him as “hugely popular” and “talented”.
“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers – Izaiah Smith. It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is,” a post on X, formerly Twitter said.
“Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. The club will provide support for all involved in whatever way we possibly can.
“In the meantime all of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.”
