Tia's mother weeps at tributes site (From Somerset County Gazette)

Tia's mother weeps at tributes site

5:56pm Sunday 12th August 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

The grieving mother of murdered schoolgirl Tia Sharp was overcome with emotion as she visited the site where scores of people have left tributes to her daughter.

The 12-year-old's body was discovered at her grandmother Christine Sharp's terraced house more than a week after she was reported missing. Her mother Natalie Sharp wept as she surveyed the sea of flowers and cards on the pavement close to the property, hours after the grandmother's partner Stuart Hazell, 37, was charged with murder.

A note believed to have been left by Ms Sharp read: "Our baby girl, we love you very much and always will. Sorry baby that this has happened, I wish I was there to protect you. We know you are safe now and you are at home with us everywhere we go. Love you, mum, dad, Jack and Harry. XXX".

Hazell will appear in court on Monday accused of killing the schoolgirl.

Scotland Yard said: "Although officers await formal identification of a body found at The Lindens on Friday 10 August, the victim is named in the murder charge as 12-year-old Tia Sharp."

A post-mortem examination on the body was paused on Saturday night and is expected to recommence this week. It is still unclear how the youngster died.

Around 100 police officers were involved in the search for the girl along with countless members of the local community. Despite visiting the property in New Addington, south London, on several occasions, investigators only discovered Tia's body on Friday evening.

Police have not revealed where it was hidden but officers were seen taking a ladder into the house, sparking suggestions Tia's remains may have been concealed in the loft. Officers have since apologised to her mother for the delay in locating her body.

Ms Sharp, 30, held her face in her hands as she arrived at the shrine supported by her partner David Niles. The pair left a white orchid and soft toy at the site, along with the note.

Hazell will appear via video link at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court, south London.