THE parents of missing teenager Alice Gross have said they are "completely devastated" after a body found in a river was confirmed as that of the schoolgirl by police.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the body recovered from the River Brent is that of the 14-year-old, who went missing on August 28.

Following the discovery police declared their investigation a murder inquiry.

Their prime suspect is convicted killer Arnis Zalkalns.

He was spotted following the 14-year-old along a tow path when she was last seen and disappeared on September 3.

Alice's family said: "It is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime."