Police released a statement just 24-hours after searchers discovered her body concealed in the floor of a canal in London.
The statement: "No cause of death has been given at this time and further tests are required."
The body was discovered on Wednesday morning in the River Brent in west London, nearby to where the teenager was last spotted in CCTV.
Following the identification of the body, police broke the difficult news to Alice’s family that the body was, tragically, their missing daughter.
Alice’s parents paid tribute to their daughter in their own statement following the news.
They wrote: "We have been left completely devastated by the recent developments and it is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime. Why anyone would want to hurt her is something that we are struggling to come to terms with.
“Alice was a loving and much loved daughter and sister, a quirky live spark of a girl, beautiful inside and out. She was a funny companion, a loyal friend, both passionate and compassionate, and so talented with a bright future ahead of her. She brought so much joy to our family and those who knew her. "
They continued: “We still don't know who is responsible for this crime and we ask that people continue to help the police by giving them information that could help bring the perpetrator to justice.
“We would like to thank all those that have supported us in our efforts to find Alice, especially the local community; it is comforting to know that so many people care.
LAND LADY OF ALICE GROSS SUSPECT REVEALS HIS SHOCKING MURDER CONFESSION
"This is a personal and private tragedy and one which we want to be allowed to deal with in that manner, rather than fearing any individual or group will use it to further any political agenda. This is a time for grieving and not a time for anger or recriminations.
"We trust that the press will behave responsibly and not publish any material that might jeopardise any future criminal proceedings.”
Further tests are now underway to determine the cause of her death.
The chief suspect in the case, Latvian convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns, is still missing.
You may also be interested in: SECOND HOME SEARCHED FOLLOWING DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE GROSS