Authorities have discovered a body in the River Thames during the ongoing search for 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who entered the river in North Woolwich on March 31, according to police reports.

The Metropolitan Police stated that officers were notified of a body located at Maritime Quay in east London around 9am on Sunday.

Although the body has not yet been officially identified, the girl’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specialized officers. The police have urged that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Kaliyah was reported to have been playing on a school inset day when she ventured into the water near Barge House Causeway, which is located near London City Airport. This concrete slope directly leads into the Thames and is typically used for boat access.

Residents in the vicinity remarked on the moss-covered, slippery slope. They reported hearing shouts and screams, and other children present mentioned that a girl had gone missing in the water.

Kerry Benadjaoud, a 62-year-old woman, attempted to help by bringing a life ring to the edge but was unable to spot Kaliyah. She later discovered a pair of shoes, a sock, a coat, and a phone near the river, which she handed over to the authorities.

She recounted a boy at the scene saying: “The little boy turned around and said: ‘I tried to hold her hand but it slipped.’”

Initially, emergency services conducted a “large-scale response” starting on March 31, but this was subsequently reduced.

At the beginning of this month, the Metropolitan Police released Kaliyah’s name and a photograph to the public.