Police urge public to plan ahead for New Year’s Eve

With 2016 just around the corner, many will be thinking about how to spend the final night of the year before the New Year's resolutions kick in. Planning for this New Year's Eve began when last year's event ended. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has been working closely with the Mayor's office, British Transport Police (BTP), Westminster City Council and others to ensure the event runs smoothly and spectators for the ticketed event enjoy a fun evening and ring in the New Year safely.

Once again, the Mayor's fireworks display with Unicef in central London is ticketed and has now sold out. If you do not have a ticket, entry will not be permitted, so the advice from the Met is to watch the spectacle from the comfort of your home. Alternatively you can see in the New Year at one of the hundreds of other celebrations taking place in restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs across the capital.

Whether you have a ticket, have reserved a booking at a restaurant or club, or are going to another celebration across the capital, ensure you plan your journey. Road closures in central London start from 14:00hrs on New Year's Eve and it will be very busy with people travelling into the city, so make sure you leave plenty of time for travelling and arrange a contingency meeting place with family and friends in case you become separated. 

Around 3,000 police officers will be on duty across central London, both within and outside the ticketed areas to prevent crime and disorder; and keep everyone safe.

Superintendent Jo Edwards, the Met's spokesperson said: "New Year's Eve is a major celebration in the diary and the Met has been working with colleagues to ensure celebrations run smoothly and the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends. Our policing plan remains under constant review and the public can expect to see additional police officers in central London, which includes an increased number of firearms officers. Our plans are purely precautionary and not as a result of any specific intelligence.

Superintendent Edwards continued: "I would ask anyone who is travelling into London for the ticketed New Year's Eve event to arrive in plenty of time. We will be supporting stewards with additional entry searches to the ticketed event which is likely to mean it will take longer to get into the viewing areas. We will also be working closely with our partners at British Transport Police who will have additional armed officers in and around central London transport hubs throughout New Years Eve. If you see anything suspicious or that causes you any concern please tell a police officer or steward."

Local borough policing arrangements will remain in place to deal with local events, supported by additional pan-London police resources as necessary.

Superintendent Andy Morgan, silver commander for British Transport Police, said: "New Year's Eve will undoubtedly be one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services and we will have officers on the ground at train and tube stations across London. In order to provide further reassurance to everyone, we will also be extending our regular armed patrols and specialist support beyond normal hours. We would encourage everyone to enjoy their evening and to travel home safely, making sure you have your travel arrangements in place and know when your last train home is."

• For more information to plan your night visit: met police website
• On the day you can follow police on Twitter @MPSEvents
• You can get live updates @LDN_gov

Tips from the Met Police to help you enjoy New Year's Eve 

• - If you're coming to the Mayor of London's ticketed fireworks display, check out all the information you'll need on the official website: london.gov.uk
• - If you don't have a ticket, our advice is to watch the coverage on television.
• - Most bars and clubs are ticket only or you need to book in advance.
• - If you're going to be outside for the fireworks make sure you wrap up warm as there is likely to be lots of waiting around.
• - Travel around town by public transport, if you drive into town during the day you won't be able to drive home once road closures have been put in place. Visit met.police.co.uk for information on road closures that could affect your journey.
• - If you're travelling by public transport, plan your journey and check the times of your last bus, tube or train. Visit tfl.gov.uk for travel information.
• - There is a huge demand for public transport at certain points in the evening. Post midnight you may have to wait some time before getting on the tube or train so be prepared to queue.
• - Criminals use the cover of crowds to commit crime - keep a close eye on all your belongings and only carry the essentials.

Met appeal for identity of man allegedly involved in the City Hall incident on Wednesday

Metropolitan Police Officers appealing for information to identify a man following an assault on a security guard at City Hall on Wednesday morning, 16 September have today issued CCTV footage of the incident. The moving footage, from approximately 10:50hrs, shows a group of protestors forcing their way into City Hall. 

One man, who is described as white, around 50 years old and 6ft tall, can be clearly seen pushing the security guard, before turning and going in a different direction. The injured security guard was knocked unconscious, and taken by the London Ambulance Service to hospital where he was treated for concussion and released later that day.

Image of the man the Met Police want to speak to

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Barnes, from the Public Order Investigating Team, said: "I am appealing for information to trace the man seen in the footage we have released today. Someone will recognise him and I am asking them to come forward. The footage shows the level of violence used, which is unacceptable."

The man had a partly shaved head and a receding hairline. He was wearing black leather trousers and a black leather motorcycle jacket with a light brown stripe on the arms. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met's Public Order Crime Unit on 020 8246 0068. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Road closures announced for VJ Day celebrations

Tomorrow will be the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in central London. The celebrations will be led by the Ministry of Defence with the Royal British Legion. Events on the day will begin with a special commemoration on Horse Guards Parade attended by senior political and military representatives, veterans and their families.

Following this event, current members of the armed forces will lead veterans and their families in a VJ Parade down Whitehall, past the Cenotaph and the statue of Field Marshal Lord Slim. After the parade, veterans and their families will be hosted at a 70th anniversary reception. There will be a flypast over Horse Guards Parade at 2pm of historic aircraft of the era, including aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There will be a substantial security operation around the days events which will include a number of road closures around the Whitehall/St James's Park area.

In detail, these are as follows:

6am

• Horse Guards Road closed 

9am

• Constitution Hill closed 
• The Mall closed
• Marlborough Road closed 
• Spur Road closed 
• Birdcage Walk closed 

10am

• Parliament Street closed 
• Whitehall closed
• Great Scotland Yard closed 
• Whitehall Place closed 
• Horse Guards Avenue closed 

11am

• Whitehall closed 
• Parliament Street closed 
• Parliament Square closed 
• Bridge Street closed
• St Margaret Street closed 
• Abingdon Street closed 
• Millbank (north of Horseferry Road) closed 
• Broad Sanctuary closed 
• Great Smith Street closed 
• Victoria Street closed 
• Tothill Street closed 
• Great George Street closed
• Storey's Gate closed 
• Old Queen Street closed 
• Carteret Street closed 
• Dean Farrah Street closed 
• Dacre Street closed

5pm

• All roads should be re-opened (subject to change)

Statement from Mark Pritchard

After news this morning that the Metropolitan Police have dropped an investigation into an allegation of rape against the Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, Mr Pritchard made the following statement outside the Palace of Westminster:

"Good morning.

I am pleased to announce that I will face no further action relating to the false allegation made against me.

The last few weeks have been a testing time.

I'm glad it's over.

I would like to thank my solicitor David Osborne for his sound legal advice.

I would like to thank the Metropolitan Police and the Crown prosecution Service for their thoroughness - attention to detail - and professionalism.

Most of all - I would like to thank my friends - in and outside of Parliament - and my constituents who have kindly emailed - telephoned - and written to me - offering their support.

To be falsely accused of anything - is an awful thing.

My accuser - is single - well educated - and in her mid 30s.

For the record - I was in a full consenting relationship with her. The evidence supported this.

It was only when I 'ended' the relationship - she concocted her vindictive and outrageous story.

Sadly - as an MP - sometimes - you have target on your back........

Of course she remains anonymous

The law on anonymity does need to be reviewed and 'fairness' does need to play a far greater role in these cases.

I am now oin to et on wit servin my constituents."

CPS statement: Charging decision concerning MPS Special Demonstration Squad

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued the following statement following the decision not to charge members of the Met's Special Demonstration Squad:

"The CPS received a file in relation to a number of police officers under Operation Aubusson, a subset of Operation Herne, which is an investigation into the activities of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Demonstration Squad. The evidence in this case relates to alleged sexual misconduct. In reviewing the case we have considered whether there is sufficient evidence to allow charges of rape, indecent assault, procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by false pretences, misconduct in public office and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

Having carefully considered all the available evidence, provided at the end of a thorough investigation, we have determined that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction for any offences against any of the officers. Investigators from Operation Aubusson have confirmed that no further lines of enquiry are available at this time.

The suggestion has been made publicly that officers, while allegedly acting undercover, may have committed sexual offences in relation to personal relationships they formed during their deployment. There was only one complaint of criminal activity against one of the officers, but a number of other officers were considered as a result of allegations made publicly which investigators had become aware of.

It is not possible to go into the facts of this case in detail, but we consider that an explanation of our decision making should be given as far as is possible:

In order to prove the offence of rape the prosecution must show that the complainant did not consent to sexual intercourse. In this case the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and the case law interpreting that Act is applicable, the effect of which is that consent can be negated if there has been a deception as to the nature of the act (for example where consent was induced by the pretence that the act of intercourse was for medical treatment) or where there has been deception as to the identity of the suspect. The identity of the suspect is relevant to a very limited extent. Section 1(3) of the Act expressly provides that impersonating a woman's husband may vitiate (negate) consent. This section was later extended by case law to include the impersonation of a person's partner. The law does not go further and allow the fact that a person does not reveal their true or full identity to be capable of vitiating consent where it is otherwise freely given.

The 1956 Act does not define "consent", and so the word needs to be given its ordinary meaning in cases falling under that Act. The 1956 Act was replaced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which does provide a definition of consent in section 74. Although the 2003 Act is not applicable in this case as it post-dates the allegations, the principles set out in section 74 of that Act, which relate to freedom and capacity to make a choice, provide helpful guidance as to the ordinary meaning of "consent" and to that extent were relevant to this case.

Case law which demonstrates the law on consent as set out in the 2003 Act includes:

• R - v - Assange, where the court concluded that if consent was conditional on the use of the condom during intercourse, and the condition was deliberately disregarded, that was capable of amounting to rape.
• R(F) - v - the DPP, where the claimant said that she had consented to sexual intercourse only on the clear understanding that her partner would withdraw before ejaculation, and there was evidence that the condition was deliberately ignored. The court held that those facts were capable of amounting to rape on the basis that she had been deprived of choice relating to the crucial feature on which her original consent to sexual intercourse was based. The court commented that "the evidence relating to choice and the freedom to make any particular choice must be approached in a broad common sense way".
• R - v - McNally, where consent was negated on the basis that the victim believed she was having sex with a male partner, where in fact she was having sex with a female who had deceived her. In this case the Court of Appeal said that "depending on the circumstances, deception as to gender can vitiate consent" but added: "in reality, some deceptions (such as, for example, in relation to wealth) will obviously not be sufficient to vitiate consent."

We have concluded, after careful consideration of the evidence in accordance with the principles set out above, that any deceptions in the circumstances of this case were not such as to vitiate consent and that consequently there is insufficient evidence to prosecute for rape.

In order to prosecute the offence of indecent assault, the same test would need to be satisfied in terms of consent, and the CPS has determined there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction on this basis.

In order to prosecute for procurement of a woman for sexual intercourse by false pretences, the prosecution would need to show that any deception was carried out as a specific inducement to sexual intercourse, which took place as a direct result of such inducement. There was insufficient evidence to prove this.

In order to prosecute misconduct in public office, the prosecution would have to show that an officer knowingly abused their position in order to bring a sexual relationship about, as opposed to having engaged in a sexual relationship whilst holding the position in question. There was insufficient evidence to show this.

In order to prosecute a breach of the Official Secrets Act the prosecution would have to prove that the suspect in question disclosed information that would, or would be likely to, damage the work of the security and intelligence services; or that the disclosure would impede the prevention of offences or the apprehension or prosecution of suspected offenders. We determined that neither could be proved.

Any decision by the CPS does not imply any finding concerning guilt or criminal conduct; the CPS makes decisions only according to the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and it is applied in all decisions on whether or not to prosecute. Our role is not an exercise in moral judgment nor is it intended to condone or condemn any behaviour by any individual, rather it is an impartial application of the criminal law to the circumstances of this case."

Met Police staff to join Tube unions on strike

Thousands of Metropolitan Police civilian staff plan to strike for two days next week over the imposition of pay cuts, the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) announces. The 48-hour stoppage on 12 and 13 February will coincide with the next planned Tube strikes by RMT and TSSA members and follows well-supported action by Met Police staff on new year's eve.

The PCS say that the the Met is not bound by the government's pay cap policy and the imposition of a below inflation 1% increase is in breach of an existing agreement. This is the first time the Met has done this instead of negotiating with the union that represents around 7,500 staff including 999 call handlers, support officers and those who work in custody suites and support victims of crime.

The union's members have reported an increase in police staff turning to payday lenders to get by – even though this could lead to disciplinary action being taken against them. The union says the MPS can afford to pay staff more after saving millions of pounds on police staff salaries in recent years due to job cuts.

As well as being "angry" about their pay, staff fear for their futures as the Met is considering privatising the work of about 4,000 civilian workers. The union is committed to trying to resolve the dispute and was in talks this morning with Met bosses.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "It ought to bring shame on the Met Police that staff who help to keep London safe are being driven into the arms of loan sharks because of low pay. The Met Police is not short of money and does not have to ape the government's politically motivated pay policies that have fuelled the longest decline in wages on record."

Met Police statement on strike action by PCS Union

Metropolitan Police statement:

"The PCS Union has informed the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) that they intend to take strike action on New Year’s Eve. We want to reassure Londoners that the MPS has taken the necessary steps to ensure that in the event of strike action, our essential services to London will continue.

The MPS’s took the decision in November to give a 1% pay rise to all police staff. This is at the ceiling of the Government’s public sector pay policy and the pay increase was given without any strings attached to it. The PCS demands include a pay increase of up to 6%. The MPS is simply unable to meet this demand.

The PCS Union which represents a number of our police staff has been balloting its members in the past weeks on potential strike action over the pay dispute. There are just over 14,000 members of police staff in the MPS. Only around 20% of PCS members took part in the vote and 1,150 people voted for strike action. That accounts for just 1 in 12 police staff members in the MPS actively voting for strike action.

The PCS has now informed the MPS that they intend to take strike action on New Year’s Eve - one of the days when demand for our services is highest. We have tried and tested business continuity plans for all eventualities, including industrial action. These ensure that critical functions performed by police staff are performed by police officers who are fully trained in those roles.

To ensure we are able to implement these plans, we stopped granting any further requests for annual leave or days off for officers and staff in a number of key areas for New Year's Eve in mid-December. In some cases we've also had to take the very difficult decision to cancel planned days off for officers with certain critical skills or in critical operational areas.

These are clearly all steps we'd rather not take, but we have to be prepared to maintain critical operational areas in the event of a strike action by police staff, and we are confident that we have appropriate plans in place."

The Tories are "wasting police time" say Unite

The Unite union has today accused the Conservative party of "attempting to embroil the police in a political witch hunt" and "wasting police time" following a complaint to the Metropolitan Police by the Vice-Chair of the Conservative party Bob Neill MP regarding the Labour selections in the Ilford North constituency and the Lewisham Deptford constituency.

A Unite spokesman said: "The Conservatives are wasting police time and trying to engage the police in a disgraceful political witch hunt. We strenuously reject any suggestion of criminality or that we have broken Labour party rules. Using the police to score political points and diverting their attentions away from making our communities safer is obscene. The Tories’ smear tactics are designed to scare ordinary people away from engaging in politics and ensure it becomes the preserve of an Eton educated elite."

IPCC investigating MPS in connection with shooting of two men in Woolwich

An independent investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of two men by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in Woolwich, south London, on Wednesday, 22nd May. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which has the responsibility for investigating incidents involving police shootings, was notified of the shooting by the MPS at 14.50 on Wednesday, 22nd May. 

An independent investigation was declared and twelve investigators were deployed to the scene and the post incident procedure. IPCC investigators have viewed CCTV footage of the police shooting which was captured on a local authority camera positioned nearby. Three firearms officers, in an armed response vehicle, are seen to arrive in John Wilson Street, Greenwich, at 14.33.

Two officers fired shots and one officer discharged a Taser. Two men sustained gun shot injuries and received first aid from the firearms officers. The men remain under arrest in hospital. The three firearms officers have provided initial accounts of the incident and the IPCC will continue to collect and analyse the evidence in this case.

Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: "Our investigation is as a result of the tragic events yesterday and I would like to express my sincere sympathies to the family of Lee Rigby at this terrible time. We have viewed CCTV footage of the police shooting. At this stage we are not pursuing any criminal or misconduct offences. Officers have provided initial statements and we will be obtaining additional accounts. The IPCC is independently verifying information regarding the circumstances of this incident and we can promise the Woolwich community, and wider public, that our investigation will be thorough.”

Met Police statement on Woolwich attack

Following today's incident in Woolwich the Borough Commander Simon Letchford, speaking in Woolwich tonight, said:

"I am here to give you an update about the incident that has unfolded here in Woolwich this afternoon and to give you further details of the situation and an outline of the facts as we understand them at this time. This is at a very early stage and as such I will provide you with what information I am able to. At approx 1420 we were called to reports of an assault in John Wilson Street, Woolwich where one man was being assaulted by two other men. A number of weapons were reportedly being used in the attack, and this included reports of a firearm.

"Officers including local Greenwich officers arrived at the scene and shortly after firearms officers arrived on the scene. On their arrival at the scene they found a man, who was later pronounced dead. At this early stage I am unable to provide any further information about the man who has died. Two men, who we believe from early reports to have been carrying weapons, were shot by police. They were taken to separate London hospitals, they are receiving treatment for their injuries. I can understand that this incident will cause community concerns, and I would like to reiterate that we are investigating what has taken place today.

"The MPS will investigate the circumstances that led to a man to lose his life and the IPCC, as is routine, will investigate the circumstances in which police discharged their weapons. There will continue to be an increased police presence in this area, and the surrounding areas this evening. That presence will continue as long as is needed. I am asking people to remain calm, and avoid unnecessary speculation. I will update you again as soon as I am in a position to do so."

Boris launches competition to design new Met HQ

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Metropolitan Police Service (Met) today announced that they are joining forces with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to give architects the opportunity to design the Met Police's new headquarters.

Under major plans to update its underused and outmoded estate and reinvest the savings in frontline policing, the Met is selling off its current headquarters, New Scotland Yard (NSY). Today, it was announced that the former Whitehall police station on Victoria Embankment - known as the Curtis Green Building and owned by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) - will become 'Scotland Yard', the Met's new headquarters in 2015 and will host the famous revolving sign.

The cost of the Met remaining in New Scotland Yard would run into the tens of millions of pounds, with £50 million needed to bring the outdated facilities up to the condition where they were fit for purpose for modern operational policing, and annual running costs of £11 million. The Curtis Green site which has been empty for two years, and is in the heart of Westminster, will be an exemplar of modern day policing facilities. The competition with RIBA will invite architects from around the world to produce a design which will help transform the building into a modern, well equipped and efficient new Headquarters fit for the 21st century.

The move from NSY forms just one part of this milestone strategy which also details plans to exit around 300,000 square metres (one third) of MOPAC's estate over the next three years. This will save £85 million per year on running costs by 2015/16 (compared to 2009) and £60 million will be reinvested in the estate and infrastructure to support the frontline and help keep officer numbers high.

The plan announced by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh and the Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey will also provide up to 950 modern cells to help reduce the time it takes to process people in custody and the sale of up to 200 buildings - the vast majority of which have no public access.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh said: "Selling off underutilised and unoccupied buildings will cut the running costs of the Met's estate by £60 million, which will pay for 1200 extra police officers across London's boroughs over the next three ears. This strategy should generate at least £300 million, which will be ploughed back into the remaining buildings so that a run down, largely Victorian police estate is fit for the 21st century."

Deputy Commissioner of the MPS, Craig Mackey said: "This is the most significant transformation of the police estate in the history of the MPS. The changes proposed will help us to save on running costs and sell properties that are no longer required, allowing us to invest in modern facilities that are fit for our officers, staff and the public".

Police make preparations for Lady Thatcher's funeral

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), City of London Police (CoLP) and the British Transport Police (BTP) are working closely together to finalise planning and preparations for the policing operation for Baroness Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday 17 April.

MPS Commander Christine Jones said: “We are working together and drawing upon all our skills and experience to finalise the details for our policing operation next week. Our planning is being carried out using tried and tested systems so we are in a position to deliver the most effective operation we can.”

The police say the working with all the organisations involved so they will deliver a security operation that is designed to ensure that events that day pass off safely. Police officers will be deployed at strategic points along the route that the funeral cortege will travel, and road closures will be in place. There will be a range of security measures in line with the current threat level. A mobile team of officers, called reserves, will be deployed ready to respond if needed to events anywhere in London.

Commander Jones, added: "Every operation that we deliver is based upon a thorough assessment of the potential risks, and then we plan the most effective ways to mitigate against them. We wish to deliver our operation in a way that protects and secures, but does not intrude upon those people who wish to pay their respects. We are hugely experienced in safely delivering high profile and ceremonial events in the Capital. Right up to and during the course of Wednesday’s events we will monitor a range of information to make sure we have the most up to date intelligence picture. There has been much speculation about what levels of protest may take place. I would ask anyone who wishes to demonstrate then, or in the coming days, to come and talk to us. The right to protest is one that must be upheld, however, we will work to do that whilst balancing the rights of those who wish to pay their respects and those who wish to travel about London as usual."

The operation will be run from the MPS Specialist Operations Room.

Margaret Connors, 14, missing after saying she was going to the Notting Hill Carnival

Missing: Margaret Connors 
Picture courtesy of the Metropolitan Police

Hillingdon Police are appealing to the public for help to find a teenager who went missing from her home address in Cromwell Road, Hayes.

Margaret Connors,14 (26.09.97) was last seen on 27 August when she left home claiming to be attending the Notting Hill Carnival, She failed to return and was reported missing by her increasingly concerned family.

Margaret is described as white, 5 foot 9 inches tall, of medium build with long dark brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a 'Paul's Boutique' hooded pink jacket, a white tank top, dark blue ripped jeans, blue open toe sandals and carrying a pink handbag.

Please call Hillingdon Police on 0208 246 9304 or Missing People on 116 000. 

Video: Tia Sharp appeal

Tia Sharp was last seen leaving her grandmother's home in New Addington at around 12.00hrs (midday) on Friday 3 August. Tia said she was going to the Whitgift Centre in Croydon town centre.

She is white, of slim build, 4ft 5 in tall and was wearing glasses. She was last seen wearing a yellow bandeau top over a white bra with visible cross straps, light grey leopard-skinned leggings and black and pink Nike high top trainers.

It is totally out of character for Tia to go missing. We believe she had a small amount of cash with her but no Zip card (Oyster) and she did not have her mobile phone.

She is known to frequent the Croydon, Mitcham and Wimbledon areas. Anyone who has seen Tia or knows of her whereabouts should call Merton Police on 101 (quoting reference 12MIS025216); or Missing People on 116 000 

£25,000 offered for information by the Sun - as the search for missing 12 year old Tia Sharp continues

Searches are continuing for missing Tia Sharp, whose stepfather has begged: "Just find my little girl". Around 100 people gathered at Croydon Rugby Club this evening as the search for the 12-year-old continued. Tia has not been seen since leaving grandmother Christine Sharp's home in New Addington, south-east London, at around midday on Friday.

Her stepfather David Niles, 29, said the family were "in bits" as the search entered its fourth day. Mr Niles, wearing a Find Tia campaign T-shirt, said: "I just want to find my little girl. How would you feel if it was your daughter?," he added. "We're in bits, the whole country has helped us and is supporting us. I haven't slept in four days. Natalie (Tia's mother) is in bits. The police have done everything."

The Sun newspaper has offered a £25,000 reward for information that will lead to police finding the 12-year-old.

It was believed the last person to see Tia was Mrs Sharp's partner, Stuart Hazell. But Mr Niles said he was unsure about that, adding: "The last time I saw her was on Thursday morning before going to work (at the family home in Mitcham). She had a friend stay over. She was good as gold. "I know I am not her real dad, but I have been there since day dot. I have fed her and bathed her. I just want her home. When she left the house she shouted 'Bye' and 'See you by six'. She always takes her phone but it was dead."

Mrs Sharp, speaking from her terraced home, said she hoped an image of her granddaughter taken outside the nearby Co-op on Thursday would jog people's memories and bring forward new information.

A Press Conference with Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola and David Sharp, 28, maternal uncle of Tia took place yesterday (Monday 6 August 2012) at New Scotland Yard. Also present were two close family friends, Mark Havers and Steven Sabine. David, Mark and Steven were all wearing white appeal tee shirts.

David Sharp appealed for Tia to return: "Tia please come home. You are not in trouble - please call us or call the police. I would like to thank the police and the public - everyone is doing everything they can. Please don't stop."

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola from Specialist Crime and Operations said: "We are releasing a CCTV image of Tia from Thursday 2 August - the day before she was last seen. The image is from the Co-op store in Featherbed Lane, Addington, at around 1615.

"We know Tia travelled there part way on a tram by herself, and then met her grandmother's partner at East Croydon station. The image shows her wearing a yellow vest top with an image of an animal on the front - possibly of a cat or dog, her tight faded jeans, and Ugg boots. We believe she was wearing the top and jeans when she went missing - but not the Ugg boots - we know she was wearing black nike trainers with a pink tick when she left her grandmother's address.

"We have had a good response to our appeals. We have had some 55 reported sightings of Tia, although none of these have been substantiated. Searches are continuing in the area around Tia's grandmother's address. CCTV is being collated and viewing continues.

"We know Tia was at her grandmother's house and slept late on the morning of Friday 3 August. She then left to get the bus. She told her grandmother's partner she was going out. He was the last person to see her, that we are aware of at this time.

"We have recovered a number of items but we now know that they do NOT belong to Tia. David Sharp added: "Tia is a normal 12 year old girl. She has never run away before. She is playful but is clued up when it comes to travelling and knowing her local area. "

Anyone who has seen Tia or knows of her whereabouts should call Merton Police on 101 (quoting reference 12MIS025216); or Missing People on 116 000.