Key Points:
- Incident: The family of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa has been informed that a body has been found in the River Thames.
- Date of Incident: Kaliyah Coa went missing on March 31, 2025, after falling into the river near Barge House Causeway, North Woolwich.
- Discovery of the Body: The body was discovered in Maritime Quay, Isle of Dogs, on April 13, 2025, just after 9 a.m.
- Identification Status: Police confirmed that the body is yet to be formally identified.
- Family Notification: Kaliyah’s family has been informed of the discovery, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
- Search Efforts: Emergency services conducted an extensive search operation following the incident.
- Witness Accounts: Local resident Shaleen Rajaendram provided details of the incident after hearing children’s screams.
- Further Investigation: An update will follow once formal identification is completed.
Kaliyah Coa, an 11-year-old girl from North Woolwich, went missing on March 31, 2025, after entering the River Thames near Barge House Causeway during a school inset day. The incident occurred when Kaliyah was playing with friends near the river. Eyewitnesses later reported that the girl fell into the water and could not be located by her friends.
Where was the body found?
The body, which is believed to be Kaliyah’s, was discovered on April 13, 2025, in Maritime Quay, Isle of Dogs, at approximately 9 a.m. Police confirmed that the body had not yet been formally identified but informed Kaliyah’s family about the development.
How did the family learn about the discovery?
Kaliyah’s family was notified by the authorities after the body was found. The family is currently being supported by specialist officers. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson emphasised that the family’s privacy is being respected during this difficult time.
What were the circumstances leading up to the incident?
Residents in the area, including Shaleen Rajaendram, a 59-year-old local from Barge House Road, described hearing screams and shouts from children after the incident occurred. Rajaendram recalled that two children had come running to the top of the bridge, telling her that one of their friends had fallen into the water and couldn’t be found. She further mentioned that the causeway near the river appeared very slippery, and the water was high at the time.
How did the search unfold?
Emergency service crews launched a large-scale search operation after Kaliyah was reported missing. The search spanned over two weeks, with extensive efforts to locate her. The recovery mission was coordinated by the police and other emergency services.
What’s the next step in the investigation?
While the body has been found, it remains to be formally identified. The Metropolitan Police have assured the public that an update will be provided once the identification process is completed. In the meantime, the police continue to offer support to Kaliyah’s grieving family.
What support is being provided to Kaliyah’s family?
Kaliyah’s family is being supported by specialist officers who are assisting them through this difficult time. Authorities have also urged the public to respect the family’s privacy while they cope with their loss.
What is the community’s response?
The local community, especially residents near Barge House Causeway, have expressed their condolences and shared their shock over the incident. Many are concerned about the safety of the area, particularly with the slippery condition of the causeway.
When will the public receive an update on the case?
The Metropolitan Police have stated that once the body is formally identified, an update will be provided to the public. In the meantime, investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kaliyah’s death are ongoing.
This tragic event has deeply affected the local community and the family of Kaliyah Coa, with many coming forward to share their memories of the young girl and their hopes for further safety measures in the area. The search for answers continues as police work to identify the body and determine the full circumstances surrounding Kaliyah’s tragic fall into the River Thames.
