Shannon Matthews officers assist in hunt for missing Tia

A police search dog has also scoured Mrs Sharp's property.

Tia is understood to have told Mrs Sharp's partner, Stuart Hazell, 37, that she was going into Croydon to buy some flip flops.

Relatives have described conflicted reports about exactly how she left the property. Some claim she left alone, an account which has been corroborate by a neighbour who made a signed statement, but others have said Mr Hazell walked Tia to the local tram station.

Mr Hazell was taken from his home on Wednesday evening by plain clothed detectives to be interviewed as a witness.

It is not known what he has told police.

Meanwhile, locals who have been assisting the police by mounting their own searches were warned not to disrupt the official operation.

Community leaders called for calm after a group entered a lock-up without permission which lead to a confrontation between the garage owner and those keen to find the missing girl, including a man who was armed, according to reports.

Councillor Simon Hall said: "I know people are desperate to help but we must allow the police to do their jobs. By going on to other people's property without permission you put yourself and the owner at risk.

"You may also disrupt the police search because officers will be dealing with you rather than looking for Tia."

Acting Borough Commander Rob Atkin wrote to councillors with a message to urge friends and family to respect residents' homes and property.

Detectives have confirmed that they are sifting through 800 hours of CCTV footage. 80 officers are working on the investigation and 60 possible sightings have been reported.

Steven Carter, Tia's biological father who lives in Northampton, said he had received a phone call suggesting that she may have headed in that direction.

However, the 30-year-old said no evidence had been found to back that up.