Kiara Moore death: Two-year-old girl dies after being rescued from 'stolen' Mini found in river in Wales

A two-year-old girl has died hours after being rescued from a car found in a river in Wales.

Kiara Moore died at the University Hospital of Wales after being recovered from a silver Mini in the River Teifi in Cardigan.

It came after reports that the Mini had been stolen from town with a girl in it.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it received a call about a missing vehicle at 3.30pm and posted on its Twitter page that the Mini had been located at 5.11pm.

The force initially said the child had been removed and was “receiving medical attention”.

But in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the force announced: "Sadly, we confirm that Kiara Moore, aged 2 (27/3/15) was pronounced dead at the UHW, Cardiff last night, having being recovered from a car in the River Teifi, Cardigan yesterday afternoon (19th March 2018).

“Kiara's family is being supported by specialist officers."

Kiara was just a week away from celebrating her third birthday.

Jet Moore, the girl's father, said in a Facebook post: "Thank you all for your help this evening. A mega thank you the officers who jumped in the river and the rest of the emergency services for all they did. Unfortunately Kiara had an amazing but short life."

Her mother Kim Rowlands had earlier taken to social media to appeal for help finding the car after it was taken.

Noel Lewis who runs a car repair business close to where Kiara went missing told BBC Wales: "Kiara was the most wonderful little girl. She was always playing out here with her little dog.

"Her parents run an outdoor adventure business the other side of the slipway.

"I'd often see them taking Kiara out on the river in a canoe. She always had a life jacket on when she was in the canoe with them.

"They're a lovely family, always smiling and having fun together."

A Cardigan resident who did not wish to be named told Wales Online: "People are shocked - it's a surprise for a small town like ourselves.

"Nothing happens, it's a big shock."

Dyfed Powys Police Deputy Chief Constable Darren Davies wrote on Twitter: "Tragic outcome and sincerest condolences to the family. Incredible bravery and selflessness shown by officers who entered the water and rescued the child."

Officers said they were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the "tragic" incident.

There is currently no information about who may have been driving the vehicle before it entered the river.

They appealed for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle enter the river between 3.30pm and 4.50pm on Monday to call 101, quoting incident 216 of 19/03/2018.