The neighbour of Tia Sharp's grandmother has been charged with wasting police time.

Paul Meehan was arrested last August on suspicion of assisting an offender, but police today confirmed the 40-year-old has been charged with wasting police time.

Meehan, who lived next door to Tia's grandmother Christine Sharp in The Lindens, New Addington, will appear at Croydon Magistrates Court on February 28.

Tia was reported missing from her grandmother's home on August 2. The Merton schoolgirl's body was found in her grandmother's loft a week later.

Stuart Hazell the now former partner of Ms Sharp has been charged with the Merton schoolgirl's murder.

The 37-year-old of New Addington, will stand trial in May.