A body that was found during the search for missing 15-year-old Nora Quoirin has been confirmed as that of the British teenager.
The schoolgirl disappeared in Malaysia on 4 August from an eco-resort where she was staying with the rest of her family.
Earlier today a body was found by the search and rescue team, which has now been confirmed as being that of Miss Quoirin.
Advert
Negri Sembilan police chief Mohamad Mat Yusop confirmed the news after the body was discovered in the jungle around the resort where she was staying with her parents and two siblings.
The body was found nine days after the disappearance of Miss Quoirin, who had special needs, with State Police chief Mohammed Yusop saying earlier today: "I can confirm a body has been found in the Betembum mountains. It is not in an accessible place.
"The body resembles Nora but it is yet to be confirmed by the family. The body was moved by helicopter to hospital.
Advert
"We have informed the family of the news. They are now going to the mortuary to identify the body."
Rescue teams searched day and night, sleeping on camp beds while the high-powered torches they were using re-charged.
With high temperatures and humidity, team members were left physically exhausted as they searched the thick jungle metre by metre.
Advert
Police had interviewed known paedophiles in the area, visiting 30 local people that they suspected could have been involved, but found no trace of her.
The search for Nora, who is of Irish and French origin, was supported by Irish, French and British agencies. The National Crime Agency and Met Police also offered their support to the Malaysian authorities.
A member of the Garda, the Irish police, has been in Malaysia acting as a family liaison officer, while an anonymous businessperson from Belfast offered a £10,000 ($12,000) reward for the safe return of Nora.
Advert
Nora was sleeping in a room with her younger siblings, just feet away from her parents' room. One theory suggests that she woke up feeling jet-lagged and confused, and wandered out not recognising the bedroom she woke up in.
According to the BBC, more than £110,000 ($132,800) has been donated on two crowdfunding sites set up by relatives to cover costs incurred by the family during the 10-day search.
Over £98,000 has been raised on a page set up by Nora's aunt, while a second created by her uncle - which allows people to pay in euros - has reached more than €17,500 (£16,000).
Topics: World News, News