Still no cause of death for Tia Sharp

Tia’s body was discovered at her grandmother Christine Sharp’s home on Friday 10 August, more than a week after she was reported missing.

On Thursday the body was formally identified as the 12-year-old’s but it did not establish a formal cause of death. Police are now waiting for results of further tests.

Stuart Hazell, who has been charged with Tia’s murder, may be granted the right to request a second post mortem by a pathologist of his choice.

The coroner asked that this be carried out as soon as possible, if it is necessary, so that Tia’s body can be released to her family.

Inquest adjourned

The inquest, at South London Coroner’s Court in Croydon, was adjourned until a later date.

Mr Hazell, 37, from New Addington, is charged with murdering the schoolgirl between 2 and 11 August.

He appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from Belmarsh prison in south east London on Wednesday, and was remanded in custody to appear for a plea and case management hearing at the same court on 19 November.

A provisional trial date was set for 21 January next year.

Mr Hazell is the partner of Ms Sharp, 46, who was arrested on suspicion of murder but bailed on Sunday pending further inquiries.

Her next-door neighbour, Paul Meehan, 39, has been bailed on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police only discovered Tia’s body after several visits to the terraced property, and have apologised to her mother, Natalie Sharp, for the delay.

A serious case review has been launched into Tia’s death by Merton Council, which has responsibility for Mitcham, south London, where Tia lived with her mother.