A coroner has opened an inquest into the death of schoolgirl Tia Sharp, where it was confirmed her body has now been formally identified.
Tia, 12, was found at her grandmother Christine Sharp's home in New Addington, south London, last Friday, more than a week after she was reported missing.
Detective Sergeant Eric Sword, of the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime operations unit, was asked by Coroner Roy Palmer if the body has now been formally identified.
Mr Sword said: "From the checks that we have been able to carry out, yes."
"And that body is that of Tia Sharp?" the coroner asked. "That is correct," he replied.
Dr Palmer said that once the post-mortem examination is completed, Stuart Hazell, who has been charged with Tia's murder, has the right to request a second one.
The inquest, at South London Coroner's Court in Croydon, was adjourned until a later date.
Hazell, 37, from New Addington, is charged with murdering the schoolgirl between August 2 and 11.
Hazell is the partner of Ms Sharp, 46, who was arrested on suspicion of murder but bailed pending further inquiries. Neighbour, Paul Meehan, 39, has been bailed on suspicion of assisting an offender.
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