Police searching for missing girl's step granddad after body discovery (From Your Local Guardian)

Police searching for missing girl's step granddad after body discovery

5:06pm Friday 10th August 2012 in News

Police are on the hunt for Stuart Hazell, the step granddad of missing schoolgirl Tia Sharp, after a body was found at the house he shared with her grandmother.

A murder enquiry has now been launched with police appealing for help in finding Mr Hazell who they wish to interview urgently.

Police have warned Mr Hazel, 37, should not be approached and if he is seen members of the public should call 999.

A Met Police spokesman said: “A murder enquiry has been launched after a body was found at 20 The Lindens, New Addington, following a search of the property this afternoon [Friday 10 August]. Enquiries are also underway to establish the identity of the body.
A post mortem will be held in due course.

"We are seeking to find Stuart Hazel to be interviewed in connection with this case. He should not be approached and if seen people should call 999 immediately.
There have been no arrests in connection with this investigation at this time.”

In an interview with ITN on Tuesday Mr Hazel said: “Did I do anything to Tia? No, I didn’t. “I love her to bits; she is like my own daughter. She has a loving home. She wanted it, she got it.
“I know deep down she walked out of here. I know deep down she walked down that path. What happened after that I don’t know.”

The 12-year-old went missing on Friday after alledgedly leaving her grandmother’s house on Friday to go buy shoes in Croydon.

The family of Tia Sharp has been informed.