Tia’s step-grandfather arrested after police find body
Stuart Hazell, the partner of Tia Sharp’s grandmother, is arrested on suspicion of murder in the case of the 12-year-old Croyden girl who has been missing for a week.
Mr Hazell, 37, was arrested in a public spot in Merton, south London, at 8:25 pm. Police said he was identified by a member of the public and was in custody tonight in a south London police station.
Earlier today, police said they found a body at 20 The Lindens, New Addington, following a search of the property. Inquiries are underway to establish the identity. A post-mortem will be held in due course, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Mr Hazell shares the house with Tia’s grandmother, 46-year-old Christine Sharp.
His whereabouts were not clear earlier today when polce and forensic specialists searched the home. He had told reporters yesterday that he just wanted to see the schoolgirl back home.
Police cordon
More than 20 officers arrived at the New Addington estate, also in south London, and placed a cordon around the property earlier today.
Scotland Yard said the area was sealed off as part of pre-planned search.
Media and the public had previously been able to walk past the terraced house, from which Tia vanished last Friday.
Earlier tonight a manhunt was launched. Police had warned the public not to approach Mr Hazell but to call 999 immediately instead.