Hunt continues for father of 10 year old found dead in Woking
The body of Sara Sharif was found at her home in Horsell on August 10
Last updated 19th Aug 2023
Murder detectives are continuing to search for the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif who suffered extensive injuries over a sustained period of time before she was found dead.
Sara's body was found at her home in Woking after officers were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, at around 2.50am on August 10, Surrey Police said.
The discovery at the semi-detached property in Hammond Road sparked a murder probe and a post-mortem examination has now revealed the extent of her injuries.
Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police major crime team, said Mr Sharif, his partner, Beinash Batool, and his brother, Faisal Malik, are wanted for questioning.
He said it is believed Mr Sharif, 41, travelled to Islamabad on August 9, a day before Sara's death was discovered, with his partner Ms Batool, 29, and his brother Mr Malik, 28.
They travelled with five children aged between one and 13-years-old, he added.
A post-mortem examination, which took place on Tuesday, did not establish the cause of Sara's death and further tests are being carried out.
Mr Chapman said: "While the post-mortem has not provided us with an established cause of death at this time, the fact that we now know that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period has significantly changed the nature of our investigation, and we have widened the timescale of the focus of our inquiry."
There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, but Mr Chapman said that people have been extradited from the Asian country before.
Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service, Interpol, the National Crime Agency and the Foreign Office to carry out their investigation and to liaise with Pakistani authorities.
Mr Chapman added: "I would like to reassure you that we are doing everything possible, including working with our partners and international agencies, to ensure that those responsible for Sara's tragic and untimely death are brought to justice."
Officers are not looking to identify anyone else in connection with the investigation, Mr Chapman said.
Sara's mother is being supported by specialist officers and police say she and Sara had not been in contact.
Olga Sharif described her daughter as "an amazing child" in an interview with The Sun and told the newspaper that her life "will never be the same again".
Police are expected to remain at the property in the quiet Woking village of Horsell for "some weeks".
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said:
“An investigation is underway by Surrey Police following the tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif and we are working tirelessly with our safeguarding partners to gain a full understanding of the situation as quickly as possible. This is an incredibly sad situation, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected.
“We can confirm that, in line with standard process following the death of a child, the National Child Safeguarding Panel has been notified of the death and a multi-agency Rapid Review is underway.
“This Rapid Review will determine whether a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) is to be undertaken by the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership. A Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review is a statutory process, bringing together partners including the Police, health, social care and education to review practice of all agencies involved, organisational structures and learning.”
Locals spoke of their shock and fear the day after the 10-year-old's body was discovered.
Many of the flowers left on the pavement outside the house had heartfelt messages written by local families attached, while one person left a stuffed unicorn.
One note read: "Sweet girl, I'm so sorry that your sparkle was put out too soon."