Council announces serious case review into Tia Sharp death

A serious case review will be conducted into the death of 12-year-old Tia Sharp, Merton council has announced.

The schoolgirl, who had been staying with her grandmother in New Addington, south London, had been missing for a week when a body was discovered at the home. Her grandmother’s partner Stuart Hazell, 37, has been charged with her murder.

Although the body has not been formally identified it was named in the murder charge as that of Tia Sharp.

The serious case review – carried out after the death of a child where abuse or neglect is known or suspected – will consider whether lessons can be learnt from the tragedy and safeguarding arrangements improved.

It will examine the role that local agencies, including social services, may have played in the child’s life.

Ged Curran, chief executive of Merton council, said: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to 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.”

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