THE community of Ealing said its final goodbyes to murdered schoolgirl Alice Gross at a memorial service in Greenford Hall this morning.

Alice’s parents, Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross, thanked around 500 members of the local community, who had queued in the rain, for their help in searching for 14-year-old Alice.

They were keen to thank those involved in the Find Alice Gross campaign and those who decorated Hanwell clocktower with flowers in the past few weeks, as well as the organisers of the Ealing Half Marathon who provided yellow ribbons to all 6000 runners.

Rosalind Hodgkiss said: “I have been numbed by shock and grief, I have felt outrage and anger at the loss of her life and unbelievable sadness at the emptiness that has been left.

"I have wracked my brains for all the 'what ifs' of that day, anything that might have stopped this random, incomprehensible tragedy.

"It is even harder to talk about that pain than it is to talk about Alice. I cannot imagine life without Alice."

In a statement last week they said: "We would like to thank everyone for being so kind and supportive.

“We have been moved by the depth of sympathy and compassion around us, not only from close family and friends but also from the local community.”

The service included recorded songs performed by Alice herself as well as live performances of some of Alice’s favourite songs, such as Gabrielle Aplin’s ‘Home’.

A poem, written by Brian Clark, about the yellow ribbons of hope was read, as well as ‘Surprised by Joy’ written by William Wordsworth in response to the death of his daughter.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell thanked the community and paid tribute to the strength of the Gross family throughout their ordeal.

He said: "Throughout these terrible weeks, they have shown tremendous dignity under the most tragic circumstances imaginable.

“I am sure that, as a community, we can continue to support them whilst also respecting their need to grieve in private for Alice."

The service was led by Caroline Black, of the British Humanist Association, who also presided over Alice’s funeral.

The family have requested that no new flowers or tributes are left at Hanwell clocktower and are requesting that well-wishers make a donation in Alice’s memory to Youth Music.

Donations can be made at http://alice.poppymadeleine.gross.muchloved.com/.