Tensions boiled over in New Addington last night as unofficial Tia Sharp search parties were rooting through people’s garages.

The searches were conducted without the permission of home owners and resulted in one man armed with a weapon confronting two people.

Fieldway councillor Simon Hall has called on residents to not get in the way of the police as the search for missing Tia Sharp continues.

He said people should continue to distribute leaflets and make others aware of Tia Sharp’s disappearance without getting in the way. He said: “People are doing things with the best intentions and want to help.

But the police have asked the public not to do searches. “This is for two reasons.

"It could interfere with what the police are looking and secondly if people over step the mark it can lead to the type of incidents that happened last night.

“Please listen to the police and let them do their job. The last thing we want is the police to be distracted by things like this. We them to be fully focused on looking for Tia.

“They know what they are doing, we need to let them do their job. We don’t want any tension.

"I understand people want to help, so carry on delivering leaflets and help make people aware that Tia is still missing, that would be my plea."

A message has been posted by the Acting Borough Commander of Croydon Police:

"It would appear there are groups searching garages without the owners permission. This has resulted in a male challenging a group armed with weapons which has been reported to us.

"Although we appreciate this is being done with the best intentions, we do have to respect other resident's private property and the offences of breaking and entering still apply.

"Could you pass on the message to dissuade people searching garages unless they have the express permission of the owners please."

A Met Police spokesman later said: “Members of the public were conducting a search in Foxcombe, New Addington for Tia Sharp at around 12.15am.

“Two members were confronted by a home owner and it was alleged he threatened residents with a weapon.
“It was later reported at the local police station and officers from Croydon CID are now investigating. There have been no arrests. “

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0208 721 4005 or Missing People on 116 000 quoting reference 12MIS025216