In the Media

Tia Sharp: Council orders serious case review

PUBLISHED August 13, 2012
SHARE

Merton Borough Council will conduct the review to examine the role of agencies including social services in the events leading up to the 12-year-old's murder.

Tia was reported missing on 3 August, having last been seen at the home of her grandmother Christine Sharp, 46, in New Addington, Croydon.

Her body was discovered by police on Friday in the loft of the house.

Stuart Hazell, 37, the boyfriend of Tia's grandmother has been charged with the schoolgirl's murder.

Undertaken by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs), serious case reviews are standard procedure in cases where a child has died and where abuse or neglect is known or suspected.

The police, social services and health services will also assist with the review.

Ged Curran, the chief executive of Merton Council said: "Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those who knew Tia. The Local Safeguarding Children Board will now commission a serious case review, the standard procedure in a tragic case such as this. The review will be assisted by the police, health services and local authorities."

Mr Hazell was remanded in custody after appearing at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court via video-link from Sutton police station on Monday.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on tomorrow, with a further date for a preliminary hearing recorded as 19 November.

Christine Sharp, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 39-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have both been bailed to return to a south London police station in October.

CATEGORIES