HUMILIATED cops have apologised to Tia Sharp's mother for not finding the missing schoolgirl sooner.
Police said sorry to Natalie Sharp after it took FOUR examinations of her mother's house before the remains of the 12-year-old were discovered.
Tragic schoolgirl ... Tia Sharp
Investigators eventually made the grim find on Friday - a week after she was reported missing.
Grandma Christine Sharp, 46, and her partner Stuart Hazell, 37, are being quizzed on suspicion of murder.
The couple's neighbour, Paul Meehan, 39, is also being held on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Metropolitan Police South East London Area Commander Neil Basu said a full search of the house last Sunday, which included the area where the body was found five days later, should have been more thorough.
“An early review has been conducted and it is now clear that human error delayed the discovery of the body within the house,” he said.
“We have apologised to Tia’s mother that our procedures did not lead to the discovery of the body on this search.”
“All parts of the premises were searched including the location where a body was discovered, five days later, on Friday, August 10,” he said.
Frank apology ... Commander Neil Basu
“This was not a search, but the attendance of a body recovery dog to assist the investigation team in their inquiries,” Mr Basu said.
“It is not appropriate to comment further on aspects of the criminal investigation currently being conducted but our investigation was such that it was decided that a further intrusive search needed to be undertaken - it was that search, yesterday, which resulted in the discovery.
“On behalf of the Metropolitan Police I apologise for the distress and concern this delay will have caused. A continuing review and examination of our search processes will be undertaken to ensure such a failing is not repeated.”
Tia's mum Natalie, 31, has not spoken publicly since her daughter was found and is being comforted by partner David Niles, 29, but police have been slammed by neighbours for their handling of the case.
Cops are under fire for not finding Tia sooner, and for having to launch a search for murder suspect Hazell.
Convicted crack dealer Hazell disappeared hours before a search began at 46-year-old Sharp's terraced council estate home yesterday afternoon.
Police warned people he could be dangerous and not to approach him.
He was held on suspicion of murder after a member of the public spotted him at Cannon Hill Common, a park in Merton, around ten miles from New Addington.
He was traced by a police helicopter using a thermal-imaging camera.
Neighbour Dale Robertson said: "I don’t think it happened soon enough. After 24 hours they should have been ripping that house apart.”
Search ... a man-hunt was launched for Stuart Hazell
"There’s a mixture of anger and heartbreak. People feel aggrieved.
“They were duped. Even people who couldn’t get out on the searches have posted up on Facebook that they are angry and they were duped.”
Another neighbour, 63-year-old, Anthony Bramwell said: "The police had him and let him go. You don’t let a person go."
Flowers, teddy bears and candles remained near the house after neighbours and friends left tributes to the little girl.
One message read: “Rest in peace Tia. Justice will be served.”
Another said: “Tia Sharp, beautiful angel, taken too soon, our thoughts are with all of you.”
Leader of Croydon Council Mike Fisher thanked everyone who had helped in the week-long search for Tia.
“Our thoughts and sympathy are with Tia’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“The last week has been extremely traumatic for everyone involved and the outcome of events is a deep tragedy for all of us.
“I do however want to say a personal thank you to everyone from the community who rallied round to help in the search.
“Their efforts and compassion are to be commended and I would now urge people to remain calm as the priority has to be for the police to be allowed to continue their investigations.”
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