The family of Nora Quoirin face an agonising wait to find out how she died after an eight-hour post-mortem examination failed to come up with answers today, as Malaysian police slam claims a local tribe attacked her.
Police in Malaysia said Nora’s family would have to wait until at least tomorrow for the results of tests that may unravel the mystery.
A press conference that could reveal how she died is due to be held at 7am UK time on Thursday morning.
The naked body of Nora, 15, who had learning difficulties, was found in the jungle on Tuesday – ten days after she went missing from a holiday resort where the family were staying.
Parents Sebastien and Meabh Quoirin today told how their ‘hearts are broken’.
A hiker among a group who discovered the body in perilous terrain said the schoolgirl looked like she was sleeping.
Family members arrive at a hospital in Seremban, Malaysia, yesterday where rescuers brought the body of teenager Nora Quoirin
Meabh Quoirin with her daughter Nora who was found by a group of hikers near a waterfall in Malaysia ten days after she went missing
The area had already been scoured by searchers, leading to questions as to whether she was moved there or arrived there on her own after the rescue team had been through.
A source close to the investigation told The Times it raised questions about her being taken and then ‘moved to the area’ before she was found.
Speculation online has suggested she may have been taken by the Orang Asli, an indigenous people, but police have warned people against making ‘baseless statements.’
A police chief said: ‘Police will take action against those who spread rumours and false news.’
Nora, from Balham, south London, disappeared on August 4 only hours after the family arrived at the eco-resort nestled within dense jungle.
FOUR VITAL QUESTIONS
Why was NORA naked?
Nora apparently left her holiday apartment in her underwear, although her body was completely unclothed at the time of discovery.
Could she have been found earlier?
Nora’s limited mobility – caused by a brain condition – raised questions about how far she could have travelled. The search covered an eight-mile area around the resort. She was found 1.6 miles from her holiday cottage.
How Long was she there?
Police have so far refused to say. Searchers had believed that Nora could have been hiding elsewhere in the jungle for days after wandering off.
Was location a shock?
Police had previously searched the area where the body was found. They believed Nora may have gone there for a drink. It was close to a waterfall she was excited to see.
Her relatives today described the youngster, who was born with a rare genetic condition, as ‘the truest, most precious girl’.
In a statement, they said: ‘Nora is at the heart of our family. We love her infinitely. The cruelty of her being taken away is unbearable.’
The Quoirin family thanked the 350 people who took part in the search and others who had offered help and financial donations from across the world.
Nora leaves behind sister Innes, 12, and brother Maurice, eight.
Their mother Meabh, 45, is from Ireland, and father Sebastien, 47, is French. As with all cases involving French citizens, a police inquiry was opened in Paris last night.
The couple identified her body at a hospital and were today comforted by relatives who had flown to Malaysia.
The family added: ‘Nora has brought people together, especially from France, Ireland, Britain and Malaysia, united in their love and support for her and her family.
‘She has truly touched the whole world. To all our friends and family at home, we can’t thank you enough for all your love.’
A member of the hiking club that discovered Nora today described his trauma. Sean Yeap said the group found the girl resting with her head on her hands close to a stream.
The hiking group that found the Nora Quoirin’s body (from left) Sean Yeap, Lee Laikee, Kenny Chan and Shirley Yap a statement in Seramban, Malaysia
The waterfall where Nora’s body was found (pictured) is a short distance to the Dusun resort where the teenager went missing
He added: ‘It looked like she was sleeping, but we all knew she was dead.’ The first sight of Nora reduced two female hikers to tears.
Mr Yeap said: ‘We did not approach but stood about 15 metres away and our team leader called the police. I could see the body.
‘There were some scratches on her arm and some bruises but otherwise there were no injuries.’
Nora’s family believe she may have been abducted and are adamant she would not have wandered off in the middle of the night alone.
Matthew Searle, of missing persons charity, the Lucie Blackman Trust, which has been helping the family, said Nora’s parents ‘have a large amount of questions’.
He added: ‘One of those questions is ‘Has the body been there all the time? Or is there a criminal involvement? Was the body dumped there after?’
Sankara Nair, a Malaysian lawyer for the Quoirins, said they are ‘highly traumatised following the loss of their child’.
