Churches are offering their support to the people of New Addington, London following the tragic death of Tia Sharp.

New Addington Baptist Church took part in raising awareness of the disappearance of the 12 year old girl after she was reported missing on 3 August. Now with other churches in New Addington and Fieldway they are offering support to the public after the discovery on 10 August of Tia's body in the house of her grandmother, Christine Sharp, and the charging of Stuart Hazell with her murder.

In a public statement the churches say: 'The Churches of New Addington and Fieldway are committed to the pastoral care and prayerful support of the community in this time of grief and shock that has affected our community so deeply.

'For many, Tia has been their first thought in the morning and their last thought every night. All of us are profoundly affected by the loss of Tia and all of us share in some degree the pain and anguish that the family of Tia feel.

'As representatives of many of the Christian churches in this community, we wish now to offer prayers of hope and healing for our community, for Tia's family and for all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

'We will be continuing to offer any support that we can and would like the community as a whole to know that we stand with them and for them. '

Since the discovery of Tia's body local churches have been open for prayer and reflection with opportunities for people to light candles or write in books of condolence. A webpage has been set up where people can find out their nearest church to pay their respects and download a special prayer for Tia.