Forensic officers are searching the home of Christine Sharp, Tia’s grandmother, as police cordoned off the area surrounding the home this afternoon.

Up to 30 police officers created a cordon outside the grandmother's house in the Lindens New Addington where Tia was last seen exactly a week ago.

Forensic officers wearing protective boiler suits were then seen entering the home.

DCI Nick Scola, who is leading the search for Tia, said: "This morning a member of the family left the address by agreement so we could carry out a planned forensic search of the property. This search will start shortly."

The pre-planned search meant a press conference scheduled for 2pm today was cancelled. A Met Police spokeswoman said it was normal for this to happen and could potentially be re-arranged for later on in the day.

Police have stepped up their search for the missing school girl Earlier on Friday, two police officers left the house of Tia's grandmother carrying brown evidence bags.

One officer told reporters they were collecting "the remains of last night's evidence bags."

It is believed officers searched the property last night.

Police have been quizzing drivers travelling through New Addington about the 12-year-old’s disappearance as they look to step up the search for the missing girl.

It is understood the police are taking the names and addresses of drivers and their passengers, on where they were last Friday. Uniformed officers were also seen on local bus routes talking to passengers about Tia.

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