THE five-year-old girl rescued from an icy river after her father's car plunged into the water has died.

Little Gabrielle Grady - known as Gabby - passed away peacefully at Birmingham Children’s Hospital this afternoon, with her mother Kim and family at her bedside.

Her father Chris Grady, who appeared in court on Saturday, now faces a charge of murder following his daughter’s death.

Gabby had been in hospital since police divers rescued her from the river Avon on Thursday morning.

The youngster was under the water in her father’s car for two hours, after it is alleged he deliberately drove the car along Boat Lane and into the river with his daughter and six-year-old son Ryan inside.

A police spokesman confirmed the young girl had died in a statement, issued earlier today.

“Gabrielle Joy Grady or Gabby, who had been in a critical condition since being rescued on Thursday, passed away peacefully just after 1.30pm, surrounded by her family.

“This development means this is now being treated as a murder investigation.”

Det Supt Simon Cullen, leading the investigation, added: “We are very sad to hear this terrible news and all our thoughts are with Gabby’s family at this difficult time.

“Please be aware that Gabby’s family do not wish to make any further comments as they come to terms with their loss.”

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