A serious case review will be conducted into the death of Tia Sharp, Merton Council has announced.

Tia’s body was found in a bag in the loft of her grandmother’s home in The Lindens in New Addington on Friday, August 10, after she was reported missing a week earlier.

Her grandmother’s partner, Stuart Hazell, 37, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow morning.

Serious case reviews are standard procedure when there has been a suspicious death of a child and abuse or neglect is known or suspected.

The review is likely to examine the role of social services in regards to the welfare of the child.

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.”

Hundreds of candles, flowers and toys have been laid in tribute to Tia outside her home in Lancaster Avenue, Pollards Hill in Mitcham and outside Raynes Park High School where she was a a student.