A girl has died just days before her third birthday after being found in a submerged car, which her mother had reported stolen.
Kiara Moore, two, was found in her mother's silver in Mini, which had been taken and plunged into the River Teifi in Cardigan, Wales.
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.
After a two-hour search of the river around Cardigan Castle, Dyfed-Powys Police found the car submerged in the river.
Kiara, who was due to turn three next week, was found inside the car and was flown to hospital, where she later died.
Kiara's father, Jet Moore, who is in a relationship with Kim, wrote on Facebook that his daughter died despite the heroic efforts of emergency services.
He explained: '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.'
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 Rowland also works at the business.
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.
Mother, Ms Rowlands, wrote frantically on Facebook after her car disappeared: 'Can everyone look out for the car, It's been stolen with my 3-year-old daughter in it. Please share!'
Her sister, Nicola Rowlands, made her own appeal: 'My sister's car was stolen from Carmarthenshire with my 3 year old niece inside, please share and get my niece home safe!'
In a tweet, Dyfed-Powys Police said: 'Following a call at 3.30pm we made enq. as to whereabouts of a silver mini, last seen in Cardigan near the old Scout Hall.
'During a search the vehicle was located in the River Teifi, Cardigan.
'A child has been removed from the vehicle and is receiving medical attention.'
Catrin Miles, who represents the Teifi ward on Cardigan Town Council, said: 'Absolutely, it's a very worrying time. The rescue services got into action so quickly.
'It's amazing the volunteers involved as well. The coastguards are throwing absolutely everything at it.'
A Cardigan resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'The road has been blocked off and the helicopter was above.
'It's near Finch Square down by the river bank. People are shocked - it's a surprise for a small town like ourselves.
'Nothing happens, [so] it's a big shock.'
Elin Jones, the Assembly Member for Ceredigion, posted on Twitter: 'Awful news in Cardigan. A young, innocent life taken so tragically.
'Thank you to those who tried to save her, and our thoughts are with all who loved her. Colled ifanc sy'n tristau cymuned. R.I.P Kiara Moore.'
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward by calling 101.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
