Ananova:

The father of Gianna Cooper, who fell from a Spanish hotel balcony, said his wife's subsequent death was "devastating news for me and my family".

Ian Cooper issued a statement on identifying the body of his wife Sara who went missing after their daughter plunged 30ft from a hotel in Majorca.

Spanish Police said on Thursday they were investigating the possibility that Gianna, who they said was in a coma, was pushed.

In a statement issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Cooper said: "I can confirm the terrible news that the body of my dear wife, Sara, was found yesterday by the police.

"This is devastating news for me and my family and I would be grateful to the media if they could respect my family's privacy in order for us to concentrate on the recovery of my daughter, who continues to make good progress, and the well-being of my three sons.

"I would like to thank all those who have helped and assisted me and my family through this terrible time; the hospital who are caring for my daughter, the police and also the team at the British Consulate in Majorca."

Gianna remains in intensive care at the Son Dureta Hospital.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are considering two possibilities; that she fell by accident or that someone pushed her. These are the only two possibilities at the moment."

"The girl is currently in a coma. Police cannot speak to her until she is better but I imagine the police will want to see if she remembers anything. We must take a lot of care and wait until she is better. There is also the possibility that she won't remember anything."

Mrs Cooper, 45, from Foxton, Cambridgeshire, vanished after Gianna sustained severe injuries when she plunged from a fifth-floor balcony at the Hotel Samoa, in Calas de Majorca, on Monday morning.