Plea for Information About 10-year-old Murder Victim Whose Identity Has Been Confirmed

Published on: 18 Aug, 2023
Updated on: 19 Aug, 2023

Supt Mark Chapman makes his appeal for information about the 10-year-old murder victim Sara Sharif

By Martin Giles

This evening Surrey Police appealed to anyone who knew the 10-year-old murder victim, now formally identified as Sara Sharif, found in Horsell, Woking last week, to come forward with any information, however insignificant it may seem.

See also: Woking Child Murder – Cause of Death Still to Be Established

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman made a statement about the investigation this evening on the steps of Surrey Police HQ at Mount Browne, Guildford, including the plea for information.

He said: “The post-mortem revealed that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, which are likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.”

Update Saturday, August 19: Police in Pakistani are reported to have told the BBC that they have been asked to search for Sara Sharif’s father Urfan Sharif but not arrest him.

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In a written statement, also issued this evening, Surrey Police said:

Police were called to an address in Hammond Road, Woking, at around 2.50am on Thursday (10 August), following a 999 call, which was made by a man identifying himself as Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif. This call was made from Pakistan.

Sara Sharif

On arrival, Sara was found dead inside the property. It is believed that Sara lived at this address.

Sara’s mother was informed and continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, was launched to establish the circumstances of Sara’s death and this remains ongoing.

As a result, officers identified three people they would like to speak to as part of the ongoing investigation into Sara’s death.

These people have been identified as Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfan’s brother, Faisal Malik, 28.

It is believed Urfan travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan, in company with his partner and his brother on Wednesday, 9 August. There were five children with them aged between a year and 13 years old.

Urfan Sharif

Our enquiries remain ongoing to locate them and we are continuing to work with international agencies, including Interpol, the National Crime Agency and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to progress our enquiries with the Pakistani authorities.

We are also working with our local partners in Surrey to progress the safeguarding review.

We are also liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The death has also been reported to HM Coroner.

The post-mortem examination, which took place last Tuesday afternoon (15 August), did not establish the cause of Sara’s death and further tests are being carried out. There is no timeframe for how long these tests will take.

Beenish Batool, partner of Urfan Sharif

The post-mortem did, however, reveal that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, which are likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.

Detective Superintendent Chapman, from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: “Firstly, on behalf of Surrey Police, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences following Sara’s tragic death. Our thoughts are with her mother at this difficult time. We also fully appreciate the impact this devastating incident will have had within the local community.

“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 enquiry.

“As a result, we are trying to piece together a picture of Sara’s lifestyle but we cannot do this without the public’s help.

“That is why we are appealing for anyone who knew Sara, had any form of contact with her, or has any other information about her, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward as soon as possible.”

Det Supt 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.”

A police spokesperson said: “If you have any information which could assist our investigation, please contact us quoting Operation Unison via:

• Webchat on our website https://www.surrey.police.uk/
• Our online reporting tool https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

“If you do not wish to speak to police you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council also issued a statement last night to confirm the council was “working tirelessley” to help with the police investigation and that a “rapid review” of relevant procedures will be carried out.

Tim Oliver – leader of Surrey County Council

Cllr Oliver said: “… following the tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, 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.”

See also : Woking Child Murder Investigation – Police Issue Update

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