Two-year-old girl dies after being rescued from car found in river

A two-year-old girl has died after being pulled from a car found in a river near her family's outdoor pursuits business.

Kiara Moore died at the University Hospital of Wales, just days before her third birthday, after being rescued from a silver Mini in the River Teifi in Cardigan. 

Her mother, Kim Rowlands, reported her car had been stolen, near the old Scout Hall, with her daughter inside, sparking a major search in the area yesterday afternoon.

Police searched for two-hours before finding the car submerged in the river. 

Kiara's father, Jet Moore, who is in a relationship with Kim, wrote on Facebook that Kiara died despite the heroic efforts of emergency services.

He wrote: "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."

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.

Mother, Ms Rowlands, made a plea on Facebook after her car went missing. Police this afternoon confirmed that they were no longer looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A spokeswoman said: "Police have made extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and can now confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.  

"The vehicle was recovered from the river early this morning. H.M Coroner has been advised. Kiara’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.”

Mr Moore owns an outdoor activity company, Adventure Beyond, near to the old Scout Hall, where the vehicle was reported missing from. It is believed Ms Rowlands also works at the business. 

Mr Moore said Ms Rowlands and Kiara had gone to the office after Ms Rowlands snapped her bank card. 

He posted on Facebook: "[Ms Rowlands] went back to the office to get money from the desk and came back to no car. looked in the river No signs. So we thought she and the car had been taken. The police found the car a while later and went way beyond the call of duty jumping in and pulling her out.

"They tried to revive her for hours but unfortunately could not.  Everyone done their best. Thank you all so much for the support it means the world!!!"

He added: "She was an incredible happy young girl who lived I hope a great adventurous fun life. And may have done more than most people  Been skiing twice and skied her self! Paddled the great glen Scotland Paddles the wye Played on every beach we could.

"Had a Loving family and made us all happy She always wanted to be called RAR RAR which was our Knick Name for her  Love her so much."

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."

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." 

Police said no arrests have been made and they are appealing for anyone, who may have seen the car between 3.30pm and 4.50pm, to contact them.

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