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Merton Council launches case review into death of Tia Sharp

Summary:

A case review has been launched into the death of Tia Sharp, following the discovery of her body. last Friday

By Helena Hickey

A serious case review has been launched into the death of Tia Sharp, following the discovery of her body at her grandmother’s house in New Addington last Friday.

Merton Council said it was standard procedure for a review to be carried out when a child has died, in order to look at the role played by local agencies in the child’s life.

The review, carried out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, will also determine whether any more could have been done to prevent the death of the schoolgirl.

Chief Executive of Merton Council, Ged Curran, said their thoughts were with 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,” he said.

Tia’s body was found wrapped in a black bed sheet in a black bag in the loft of the house, a week after she was reported missing.

Police are investigating the possibility that she was smothered, and it is understood that bruising was found on her body.

Stuart Hazell, the 37-year-old partner of Tia’s grandmother Christine Sharp, is accused of murdering the 12-year-old and appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Appearing via video-link from Sutton police station due to the risk of vigilante attacks in court, he was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey later today.

Hazell is currently in isolation at high security Belmarsh Prison, amid fears of attacks by other inmates.

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