ALICE’S family said in a statement released today: “Though we now have certain information about how Alice died, we are still left with a number of serious unanswered questions about what the authorities knew or should have known about the man who is believed to have killed our daughter when he came to the UK.”

They added, however: “We are confident in the conclusions of the police investigation.

“Despite the criticism, the police have received in the media throughout this hideous time, we have found they have remained at all times dedicated and sensitive and we would like to thank them for their support and professionalism.”

Police, in turn, paid testimony to the interest of Ealing people during the search for Alice after her disappearance.

They said: “The community of Ealing showed a level of support that was, quite frankly, overwhelming and we would like to thank them.”

Alice’s family has so far raised £17,000 through the Alice Youth Music Memorial Fund.

They said: “The search and grief for Alice united the whole community in an extraordinary display of sympathy and compassion and this has continued. We are very grateful.”

“It remains impossible to describe the pain of losing Alice. Her death has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled.

“Her brutal murder remains shocking, an appalling senseless act that is still difficult to believe or understand.”

Donations in memory of Alice can be made at http://alice.poppymadeleine.gross.muchloved.com