Friends and well-wishers pay tribute to Tia Sharp
5:12pm Saturday 11th August 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson
Friends and well-wishers have left flowers, cards and candels for Tia in New Addington
Floral tributes from friends and well-wishers have been left close to the home of Tia Sharp's grandmother.
Candles, teddies and hand draw pictures cover the pavement in New Addington, close to where the 12-year-old was last seen.
A laminated portrait of Tia, a pupil at Raynes Park School, has been stuck to a garage wall, above the ground where flowers have been laid.
One message read: "RIP Tia Sharp. may you rest with the angels, my thoughts are with the family at such a sad time."
Another said: "Should never be allowed to happen to you. You poor little thing, thinking of you," while one card simply read: "Rest in Peace Tia. Justice will be served."
The community are struggling to come to terms with the news a body was found in the house of Tia's grandmother Christine Sharp, 46, which has led to her, her partner Stuart Hazel, 37, and neighbour Paul Meehan, 39, all being arrested.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named said: "It is weird, it still hasn't sunk in."
Outside Tia's home in Buckingham Court, Lancaster Avenue, Mitcham, more flowers and cards offering condolences have been left.
Karelys Aranda, 14, who lives behind Tia's block of flats, remembered her "rebellious and free-minded" friend.
She said: "She was a nice person, rebellious and free-minded. She was very sociable and kind, everyone here knew who she was.
"She liked hanging around with friends and singing. I often heard her singing on the bus, she liked N-Dubz. She was a normal 12 year old.
"It's terrible news. We knew she was missing and there were rumours something bad had happened but it's still a shock."
Tributes and messages of support for Tia's family have also flooded a Facebook group which already has over 1,000 members.
Lucy Lowthian said: "I was hoping you would of been found safe, how can people be so cruel. You are up in heaven now hun, you will be taken care of.
"Rest in peace and my thoughts are with people who knew you and your family."
Another message, from Oliver Thomson said: "Rest in peace Tia, my support goes out to your family and friends.
"I hoped this wouldn't have happened. I watched the news every day to make sure you came home safe, I am so sorry."
A joint message on behalf of the Fieldway and New Addington ward councillors, was posted on the New Addington Pathfinders Facebook page.
The message from Councillors George Ayres, Carole Bonner, Simon Hall and Tony Pearson read: "On behalf of the residents of Fieldway and New Addington we would like to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of an innocent young girl.
"Croydon Council are providing a counselling service for anyone who wants to talk and local churches are opening for those who wish to pray or spend time in quiet reflection."
Mike Fisher, Leader of Croydon Council added: "Our thoughts and sympathy are with Tia's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
"The last week has been extremly traumatic for everyone involved and the outcome of events is a deep tragedy for all of us."
Books of condolence have been opened at St Edward's Church, St Mary's Church and at the Octagon.
Did you know Tia Sharp? Leave your tributes below.
