Tia: Forensic Search Of Grandma's House

Police hunting for Tia Sharp have cordoned off her grandmother's house as they begin a full forensic search of the property.

Earlier, the missing girl's grandmother Christine Sharp, 46, left the house with police as search dogs scoured a wooded area 400 yards from her home.

She was escorted by a detective and a family liaison officer, and declined to comment to waiting reporters.

Afterwards, more than 20 officers arrived at her home on the New Addington estate, near Croydon, south London, and placed a cordon around the property.

Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt said the house was sealed off as part of a pre-planned search.

But he believes something was found in or around the house in the past few hours that brought the search forward.

Earlier, Mrs Sharp broke down in tears saying Tia was "my life" and that she believes she is not staying away by choice.

She said: "My only message to Tia is that I love her. She is my life. I don't know where she has gone. I don't know how she's gone.

"She's not staying away by choice, I know this. I just don't know what else to say."

Tia was last seen at Mrs Sharp's house on August 3, saying she was heading to nearby Croydon to buy some new shoes.

But there has been no evidence of her leaving the home or catching a bus or tram into Croydon - which is why the search has concentrated on the house and surrounding area, Sky's Martin Brunt said.

Police have stepped up their questioning of the public in an attempt to jog memories.

They stopped motorists and handed out leaflets to try to find out what happened to Tia.

Ms Sharp's partner, Stuart Hazell, who spent Thursday night alone with Tia, is believed to have been the last person to see her.

He told police she was heading to the Whitgift Centre in Croydon to buy flip-flops and agreed to be back at her grandmother's terraced property by 6pm.

Mr Hazell, 37, who was interviewed as a key witness, has said another witness saw Tia leaving the house shortly after midday and therefore he was not the last person to see her.

Ms Sharp said her boyfriend was out helping in the search on Thursday morning.

Asked what he was doing, she said: "I don't know, I don't know where he is."

:: The Metropolitan Police has asked anyone with information to call 020 8721 4005.