TRIBUTES have been paid by the dad of a two-year-old girl who died after being pulled from a car in the River Teifi at Cardigan on Monday.

Kiara Moore, who would have celebrated her third birthday next week, died at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff on Monday night.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Kiara’s father Jet Moore, posting on Facebook, said: “Thank you all for your help this evening. A mega thank you the officers who jumped in the river and the rest of the emergency services for all they did.

“Unfortunately Kiara had an amazing but short life. Thank you all so much for the support it means the world.

“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 herself! Paddled the great glen Scotland. Paddles the Wye. Played on every beach we could. Had a loving family and made us all happy “She always wanted to be called RAR RAR which was our nickname for her. Love her so much”

Kiara was found in the car in the river following a huge social media appeal on Monday afternoon in which a woman said her silver Mini had gone missing with her daughter inside.

Dyfed Powys Police launched a huge search for the car, saying they had received a report of the vehicle going missing from near the old scout hut in Cardigan at 3.30pm.

It was found in the river around 5pm, just above the bridge below the castle at the Strand.

Police, Coastguard teams, the RNLI inshore lifeboat, Mid Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Ambulance and specialist police divers were all called to the scene. Kiara was airlifted to hospital but sadly died.

A statement from Dyfed Powys Police on Tuesday said: “Sadly, we confirm that Kiara Moore, aged 2, was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff last night, having being recovered from a car in the River Teifi yesterday afternoon (19th March 2018).

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the silver Mini enter the river between 3.30pm and 4.50pm on the afternoon of Monday, 19th March.

“Kiara’s family are being supported by specialist trained officers.

“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting message 216 of the 19/03/2018.”