Family 'heartbroken' after Sydney homicide of Lilie James

"We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Lilie James," the statement read.

"She was vibrant, outgoing, and very much loved by her family and friends. We are tremendously grateful for the support of our community at this difficult time."

Police have found a body in Sydney's east on the second day of searching for Paul Thijssen.

Emergency services are retrieving the body found at the base of cliffs in Vaucluse but an identity has not been confirmed, police said.

A secondary crime scene was established in Vaucluse on October 26 shortly after police discovered James' body in the CBD.

Police found property at the seaside reserve in Vaucluse that was linked to the alleged murder and detectives were seeking Thijssen, 24, for questioning.

Helicopters, marine command and officers on-foot searched Diamond Bay Reserve on October 26 and the hunt resumed on October 27.

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James' worked as a water polo coach at the elite inner city school while studying at the University of Technology Sydney.

Officers who attended the confronting scene at St Andrew's Cathedral School said the victim had sustained "serious head injuries", NSW Police superintendent Martin Fileman said.

The pair were believed to have been in a brief relationship before the alleged murder.

Police were called to the school before midnight on October 25 due to "concern for welfare".

Thijssen, an ex-student and hockey coach at the school, is believed to have made the call to police.