51 year old man detained by officers in Hanwell

A second man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 14-year-old Alice Gross.

On Sunday, 7th September, at around 1.35pm a 51 year old man was taken into custody by officers in Hanwell. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The previous day, a 25 year old man was detained in the Ealing area. Both men are currently in custody at a west London police station. Police have described the second arrest as being 'independent' of the first.

Police say that all lines of enquiry are still open at this time and this remains a missing person investigation. They are continued to appeal for witness and information in relation to the last known movements of Alice.

Searches are continuing in the Grand Union Canal in the vicinity of Hanwell. Police have confirmed that they have been searching this area since Friday, 29 August, the day after Alice's disappearance. 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

Earlier on Saturday an appeal was issued to two groups of towpath cyclists who were cycling by the Grand Union Canal at the time of Alice's disappearance. That appeal was repeated after the arrest was made.

Anyone who has seen Alice or has information that may assist the investigation should call the Incident Room on 020 8358 0100 or Ealing Missing Persons Unit on 020 8246 1018 or 101. Alternatively call the charity Missing People on 116000.

Alice's sister, Nina, has set up a Facebook page to appeal for information which can be found here: www.facebook.com/groups/435881003216659/?fref=ts

3rd September 2014