A 11-year-old girl who fell into the River Thames while playing on a day off from school has been pictured for the first time.
Met Police has launched a recovery mission along the Thames to locate Kaliyah Coa, with officers conducting a thorough search of the area.
Police were called at around 1.23 pm on Monday after Kaliyah, entered the water near Barge House Causeway, near London City Airport in east London.
Witnesses said she fell in while she had been paddling in the river.
Emergency services attended the scene within minutes and conducted a large-scale search in an effort to locate her but she has still not been found.
Chief Superintendent Dan Card said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family through this deeply upsetting time and our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened.
“We are committed to finding Kaliyah and are working with partners to conduct a thorough search over a wide area – utilising drone technology and boats.
“I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers, and colleagues from other emergency services, as they responded rapidly to carry out a large-scale search during a highly pressurised and distressing time.
“Equally we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days – if you have any concerns then please speak to them.”
The family have asked for privacy during this distressing time, Met Police added. Kaliyah had been on an inset day from school when the tragedy occurred.
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “I speak for everyone at Newham Council when I say that our prayers and thoughts are with Kaliyah’s family, her friends and school at this sad time. I know the entire community is concerned.
“Council officers are working closely with the police and other emergency services as the search continues for Kaliyah.
“They are also supporting the school community as her friends, teachers, and staff deal with this truly heartbreaking situation.”
A relative told The Sun: "It was her birthday last week. She had only just turned 11.
"She was a beautiful bubbly girl. A very happy girl and lovely girl."
A friend posted on TikTok “Kaliyah come back, we miss you.”
Shaleen Rajaendram, 59, who lives on Barge House Road which leads onto the causeway, said: "I heard upstairs a guy was screaming 'wait there, wait, the police is coming'."
Local residents said they had heard shouts and screams and other children who were playing had said a girl had disappeared in the water and they could not find her.
Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, told the PA news agency she had taken a life ring down to the water but could not see the girl.
Ms Benadjaoud said she found shoes, a sock, a coat and a phone near the river, and handed the items to the police.
"Apparently she was paddling, so her socks and shoes were off, her coat, then she must have slipped and gone down", she added.
Ms Benadjaoud said she spoke to a child, around eight or nine years old, who had been with the girl.
She told PA: "The little boy turned around and said 'I tried to hold her hand but it slipped'.
"I said to the little boy's parents, obviously he needs to see someone because it's going to affect him later".
Barge House Causeway is a concrete slope that goes directly into the River Thames and is used to transport boats.
Residents pointed out that it appeared to be covered in moss and is slippery.
Police have asked anyone with relevant information they wish to share to contact 101, quoting 3699/31Mar.
