Two more held in Tia Sharp inquiry (From Gazette & Herald)

Two more held in Tia Sharp inquiry

11:50am Saturday 11th August 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Two more people have been arrested by police investigating the death of schoolgirl Tia Sharp.

A 46-year-old woman was detained on suspicion of murder and a 39-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender, Scotland Yard said.

Officers discovered a body at the home of Tia's grandmother Christine Sharp in New Addington, near Croydon, south London, on Friday.

Hours later, 37-year-old Stuart Hazell, the grandmother's partner, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 12-year-old girl, who was reported missing last Friday, was last seen alive at the property.

Hazell was detained in a public place - believed to be a park - at 8.25pm on Friday night after he was identified by a member of the public, police said.

A team of forensic officers discovered the body during a fourth search of Tia's grandmother's home, prompting some to ask questions about Scotland Yard's handling of the case.

Police reportedly removed the body, which is yet to be identified, from the terraced house late last night after Hazell was taken into custody. A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the coming days.

Police have not revealed where the body was discovered, but officers were seen taking a ladder into the property yesterday afternoon, sparking rumours that it may have been in the loft.

A dark holdall was later seen being removed from the house.