Family release video of missing schoolgirl Alice Gross singing

The family of missing 14-year-old Alice Gross have released a video of the schoolgirl singing, in an appeal to raise awareness about the teen's disappearance.

In a moving video, the talented budding singer-songwriter plays the piano and sings along to her own composition, 'Never Let it Go'.

Alice went missing two weeks ago, on Thursday 28 August, and has not been seen since.

Yesterday, the last text Alice sent was to her father was revealed. She asked him if he was at home to let her in, saying she had forgotten her key. 

Detectives have pieced together the last known sightings of Alice on that Thursday from CCTV, but they still have not heard from any witnesses who actually saw her after 1630 that day.

Alice’s rucksack was found by police on Tuesday, 2 September in the undergrowth on the footpath that runs beside the River Brent between Hanwell Bridge and the Grand Union Canal.

Police have said that her missing iphone could hold vital clues.

“Today I am asking for some very specific help from the public. We know that Alice’s bag was first found the day after she was last seen by two builders, who we have spoken to, who put it back down in the same spot on the towpath" said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, who is leading the investigation to find Alice. 

“What we do not know is if anyone saw or found Alice’s bag between when she was last caught on CCTV and when the builders found it.

“In that bag was a pair of Vans trainers, which we think she was wearing when she left home, underwear, her lunch box and the rubbish from her lunch. We also know that Alice’s iPhone was last used to send a text to her Dad on that Thursday.

“I need to know if anyone found Alice’s bag before the builders and was anything taken from it, or if anyone has her iPhone. Did you find or see a white iPhone 4s with a cracked rear case, that Alice had decorated with marker pen? If you did do you still have it?

“I can assure you that if you did or you know someone that did, you are not in trouble, but you may have vital information that can take us one step further to finding Alice.”

Police also dismissed speculations that a family disagreement sparked Alice’s disappearance, saying Alice went out that day just like usual. Alice was suffering from anorexia, and her family were trying to work through her problems together.

CCTV footage released by the MET shows her walking alone down the Grand Union Canal towpath at Brentford Lock an hour after leaving her home.

She was spotted about 90 minutes later at the same place walking back in the direction of her home. She never arrived. 

So far, two men, 51 and 25, have been arrested in connection with the case. The 51-year-old was released with no further action to be taken.

The 25-year-old was bailed until mid September.

The Met reminded members of the public that all lines of enquiry are still open and this remains a missing person investigation at this stage.

Searches are continuing in the area where Alice was last seen 10 days ago.

“We have been searching this area since Friday, 29 August” said Metropolitan Police.

“Underwater and Confined Space Search Teams and Specialist Dog Units are on scene. Surrey Police and Sussex Police have both provided specialist resources to the Met as part of this search. The search area has been expanded as directed by the investigation.”

Alice is thought to be wearing blue jeans and a dark green knotted cardigan. It is believed that Alice may have been seen at Kew Bridge.

“Alice if you can see this, please know sweetheart that all of us love you and miss you desperately” said Alice’s mother, Rosalind Hodgkiss.

“Know that we love you and are there for you whatever you are going through. My love please get in touch and let someone know you are safe. Alice please come home.”

If you see Alice, or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 101