Body confirmed as that of missing Aisling

Police in New Zealand have confirmed that the child's body found in a drain yesterday was that of missing toddler Aisling Symes.

The two-year-old, who had been missing for a week, had drowned, police said. There was no sign of injury.

Aisling disappeared from her late grandparents’ house in the Auckland suburb of Henderson on October 5 while her parents - her father Alan is originally from Waterford - were clearing the property.

Searchers found her body in a drainpipe nearby at about 8pm New Zealand time (8am Irish time) yesterday.

Police said that a manhole cover leading to the drain was found open on the evening that Aisling went missing.

An officer climbed into the drain and searched using a torch while calling the little girl’s name, but he got no reply and saw nothing out of the ordinary.

New Zealand Police said the results of the post-mortem examination on Aisling were “consistent with drowning”.

Inspector Gary Davey said he could not comment on the details of the examination but there was no evidence of injury.

“Aisling’s death is devastating for her family and for everyone who knew and loved her,” he said.

“Police, along with other members of the community, are also deeply saddened.”

Aisling’s body has been released to her family and the death has been referred to the coroner.

Aisling’s parents, Angela and Alan Symes, said the loss of their daughter was “unbearable”.

In a statement released through family members they said: “It’s hard to imagine life without her, without her infectious smile and bubbly nature.

“Even though we grieve for our loss, our hearts go out to the parents and extended families of children in New Zealand and elsewhere who are still missing.

“Our priority remains on supporting each other. The days ahead will be difficult and we thank you for your continued love and support.”

They said it was too soon to say when Aisling’s funeral would be held.