Police granted extension to quiz man over death

DETECTIVES were yesterday granted more time to question the uncle of a 12-year-old girl who was strangled and stabbed to death.

John Maden, 37, was arrested when the body of Tia Rigg was found at his home in Manchester on Saturday.

A post-mortem examination concluded that she had died after being strangled with a ligature and stabbed in the stomach.

Maden, of Dalmain Close, Cheetham Hill, has been held in police custody since he was arrested at the scene. Greater Manchester Police said they have been granted a warrant to question him until this morning.

The force has said no-one else was being sought in relation to the murder inquiry.

Detective Superintendent Mary Doyle, who is leading the investigation, said Tia was a happy, normal, healthy 12-year-old girl. She was found dead at the property after a 999 call at around 3:45pm on Saturday.

Friends of the girl paid tribute to her on her Facebook page. A group has also been set up on the social networking site, entitled "R.I.P tia rigg" with pages of messages from schoolmates and other friends.