Post date: Aug 11, 2012 3:46:15 PM
Christine Sharp, 46, was detained following the discovery of a body at her home in New Addington, near Croydon, south London, on Friday (August 10).
Her partner Stuart Hazell, 37, was arrested last night (August 10) on suspicion of murder.
Ms Sharp's next-door neighbour Paul Meehan, 39, was later taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Christine Sharp, the grandmother of schoolgirl Tia Sharp, who has been missing for over a week has been arrested on suspicion of murder, along with her partner, Stuart Hazell. Their next-door neighbour, Paul Meehan, has also been taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender.
SOUTH LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (AUGUST 11, 2012) (ITN) -The grandmother of missing schoolgirl Tia Sharp has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
In the wake of Mr Hazell's arrest, Scotland Yard announced on Saturday (August 11) that a 46-year-old woman and 39-year-old man had also been arrested.
Sources later identified the two further suspects as Ms Sharp and Mr Meehan.
The 12-year-old girl was reported missing on Friday August 3.
A team of forensic officers discovered the body during a fourth search of Tia's grandmother's home, prompting some to ask questions about Scotland Yard's handling of the case. Police reportedly removed the body, which is yet to be identified, from the terraced house late on Friday (August 10) after Mr Hazell was taken into custody.
A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the coming days.
Police have not revealed where the body was discovered, but officers were seen taking a ladder into the property on Friday afternoon (August 10), sparking rumours that it may have been in the loft.
A dark holdall was later seen being removed from the house.
On Thursday (August 9) Mr Hazell had spoken at a press conference about Tia's disappearance saying, "They asked me a stupid question yesterday, and they was like 'did you do anything?' Well no I bloody well didn't! Excuse my language but I didn't. I'd never think of that. I loved Tia to bits, she's like my own daughter, for God's sake, we had that sort of relationship. It was that sort of thing. It was just...she wanted it, she got it.''
It is understood Mr Hazell was identified by schoolgirl Chloe Bird, 11, shortly after he bought alcohol in an off-licence on Friday night (August 10) .
Her stepfather Nick Keeley, 40, said she came back home and told him that she had spotted Mr Hazell.
He said he was not then aware he was wanted by officers but when his step-daughter directed him to news reports he rang the police.
On Friday evening (August 10), Commander Neil Basu of the Metropolitan Police, said, "Our priority at this time is to support the family of Tia. It is a distressing time. We need to identify the body that's been discovered as quickly as possible."
There was a significant police presence today at the house where the body was found.
Flowers, teddy bears and candles remained near the house after neighbours and friends left tributes to Tia last night.
One message read: "Rest in peace Tia. Justice will be served."
Neighbours continued paying their respects on Saturday (August 11), with one woman breaking down in tears after leaving flowers.
A poem was left with a photo of Tia which described her as "heaven's little angel".