The grieving sister of murdered teenager Alice Gross has criticised BBC show Question Time after it appeared to debate immigration issues surrounding the case.

Nina Gross called the BBC show "extremely insensitive" after the panel debated whether convicted criminals should be allowed to move across Europe's borders.

The 14-year-old's body was found in the River Brent in west London on Tuesday night and police are now searching for convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns.

The 41-year-old Latvian builder is being treated as prime suspect and went missing a short time after Alice disappeared.

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Although Alice’s name was not mentioned, the question: “Does Freedom of Movement across EU borders include convicted criminals?” was sparked by the tragedy.

Nina, 19, who is believed to be about to start university, wrote on twitter: “#bbcqt it is extremely insensitive to use my families tragedy for political agendas and discussion. This is a time of grief for our family.”

In a later tweet she added: “#bbcqt extremely insensitive to use the loss of our sister for political agendas. In future, please respect our wishes as we grieve.”

Police last night revealed that tests on the murdered schoolgirl failed to reveal how she died.

The Metropolitan Police said a post-mortem examination on the 14-year-old was inconclusive and further tests would be needed.

It comes after the teenager's body was discovered  in the River Brent in west London on Tuesday night.

A statement by the Metropolitan Police said: "The post-mortem examination into the murder of 14-year-old Alice Gross has now concluded.

"No cause of death has been given at this time and further tests are required."

After police confirmed yesterday that the body was that of Alice, her parents issued a heartbreaking statement.

Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross said: "We have been left completely devastated by the recent developments and it is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime.

" Why anyone would want to hurt her is something that we are struggling to come to terms with.   Alice was a loving and much loved daughter and sister, a quirky live spark of a girl, beautiful inside and out.


"She brought so much joy to our family and those who knew her.  “

The family also urged people to help the police by bringing her killer to justice. They also thanked the local community for supporting the family in the search for Alice.

Detectives are now searching for missing Arnis Zalkalns. The 41-year-old Latvian builder is being treated as prime suspect.

The convicted murderer went missing a short time after Alice and has not been seen since.


The school Alice attended also paid tribute following news of her death.

A statement from Brentside High said: "Our thoughts and sympathy are with Alice’s family at this time.

   "Alice was an outstanding and talented student who will be sorely missed from our school community. This is a very sad day for our school and we are devastated by this tragic loss.

"We are doing everything we can to support each other and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead.   "We would like to thank the MPS for their efforts in finding Alice and hope that the perpetrator of this awful crime is brought to justice very soon.   

"If anyone has any information that may be of use to the police’s murder inquiry please do come forward."