Tia Sharp murder: Tia’s body found inside a bin bag

The body of Tia Sharp was found in a bin bag in the loft of her grandmother’s home, it has emerged.

Stuart Hazell, 37, appeared via video link at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court yesterday accused of the 12-year-old’s murder and was told he will face an Old Bailey trial.

He was charged after Tia’s body was found on Friday in the loft of the home he shares with Tia’s grandmother, Christine Sharp. It was confirmed yesterday that the body was wrapped in a black bedsheet and a black bin-liner.

Tia had been reported missing from the house in New Addington, south London, a week earlier. More that 100 officers were drafted in and members of the local community carried out their own searches and handed out leaflets bearing Tia’s face.