Murdered Tia Sharp's Body Formally Identified

A body found in the home of Tia Sharp's grandmother has been formally identified as that of the missing schoolgirl.

Police discovered the body in 46-year-old Christine Sharp's house in New Addington last Friday.

Stuart Hazell, the boyfriend of Tia's grandmother, has already been charged with 12-year-old's murder

Giving evidence at the opening of the inquest into the death, Detective Sergeant Eric Sword was asked by the coroner, Dr Roy Palmer, if the body had been formally identified during a still ongoing post-mortem.

Mr Sword said: "From the checks that we have been able to carry out, yes."

"And that body is that of Tia Sharp?" the coroner asked. "That is correct," he replied.

No further details, such as the cause of the 12-year-old's death, were given.

Dr Palmer added that once the post-mortem is complete, Hazell has the right to request a second one by a pathologist of his choice.

The coroner asked that if it was requested, it be carried out as soon as possible so the 12-year-old's body can be released to her family.

The inquest, at South London Coroner's Court in Croydon, was then adjourned until a later date.

A provisional trial date for Hazell has been set for January 21 next year.