Fears grow over missing girl, 12

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6 August 2012

Police are becoming increasingly concerned about the welfare of a 12-year-old girl who has gone missing from home.

Tia Sharp was last seen leaving her grandmother's home in New Addington, south-east London, at around midday on Friday.

She told relatives she was going to the Whitgift Centre in Croydon town centre. Tia is described as white, slim build, 4ft 5in tall and wearing glasses.

Police believe Tia had a small amount of cash with her, but no travel card and she did not have her mobile phone. Tia is known to frequent the Croydon, Mitcham and Wimbledon areas.

Twitter has been flooded with appeals for information, with family members and celebrities urging the public to help locate the missing 12-year-old.

Jasmine Hart tweeted: "Hey guys I really need your help! My 12 year old niece called Tia Sharp has been missing for over 24 hours. She was last seen yesterday in New Addington, Croydon wearing a yellow t-shirt and glasses She's very smart and old enough to know how to get around and was given money to buy shoes. It is unlikely that she ran away as it is completely out of character which is why this has become so serious If you see her or know something, call the police immediately. Please help!"

Choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, UK grime singer and ex-So Solid Crew member Lisa Maffia and glamour model Nicola McLean were among those who added their support to the search by re-posting appeals on the social networking site.

Police made an appeal for anyone who might have seen Tia since she disappeared to contact them or her family. Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, from Scotland Yard's Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC), said: "I was with her family this afternoon and they are clearly very distressed."

He added: "There is no suggestion she left in a hurry at the moment. We understand her Zip (child's Oyster Card for public transport) was lost some time ago, her mobile phone was left at home charging. She just said she was going shopping."

They altered their description of what Tia was wearing to skinny grey jeans instead of leopard skin leggings.

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