A young girl has died in hospital after being pulled from a car that had gone into a river in Ceredigion.

Kiara Moore was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on Monday night after being airlifted there from the west Wales town.

Earlier, police had pulled her from a missing car found in the River Teifi running through the town.

There was a large police presence in Cardigan town centre on Monday evening.

The vehicle, a silver Mini, had initially been reported stolen at around 3.30pm from outside the old Scout Hall in Cardigan.

At around 6pm police released a statement confirming that the vehicle had been found in the River Teifi.

Dyfed Powys Police's Deputy Chief Constable has paid tribute to the "incredible bravery" of the officers who went into the water to pull Kiara out.

Her father Jet has now posted a heartbreaking explanation of how she died on his Facebook.

(Image: Jet Moore/Iglwy)

He also paid a beautiful tribute to his daughter, saying: "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. Paddled the Wye

"Played on every beach we could. Had a loving family and made us all happy.

Police are supporting the family members and have appealed for information but we understand they are now not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Officers had initially appealed for information repeatedly on social media and launched a major search to find the vehicle.

A search and rescue operation then ensued at the river, largely centred around a stretch of water directly opposite Cardigan Castle.

The Cardigan inshort lifeboat, Cardigan coastguard, Gwbert coastguard and Moylegrove coastguard were all involved.

Officers closed part of a road known as The Strand and initially closed a footbridge crossing the River Teifi.

Eyewitnesses described seeing specialist divers on the riverbank after nightfall.