The grieving mother of murdered schoolgirl Tia Sharp was overcome with emotion as she visited the site where tributes have been left to her daughter.

The 12-year-old's body was discovered at her grandmother Christine Sharp's terraced house more than a week after she was reported missing.

Her mother Natalie Sharp wept at the shrine of flowers and cards on the pavement close to the property, hours after the grandmother's partner, Stuart Hazell, 37, was charged with murder. Hazell is due to appear in court today.

Tia's grandmother, 46, was also arrested on suspicion of murder but later bailed.

A note believed to have been left by Ms Sharp, 30, reads: "Our baby girl, we love you very much and always will. Sorry baby that this has happened, I wish I was there to protect you.

"We know you are safe now and you are at home with us everywhere we go. Love you, mum, dad, Jack and Harry. XXX".

Scotland Yard said: "Although officers await formal identification of a body found at the Lindens the victim is named in the murder charge as 12-year-old Tia Sharp."

It is unclear how the youngster died and a post-mortem examination of her body is expected to recommence this week.