Sara Sharif Suspects Appear at Guildford Court – Case to Move to the Old Bailey

Published on: 15 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 15 Sep, 2023

Sara Sharif

September 15

2.45 pm Three people charged with the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today (15 September). Sara’s body was found at her home address in Horsell, Woking on August 10.

This afternoon, Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfan’s brother Faisal Malik, 28, all appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court charged with her murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

All three have been remanded in custody to appear at The Central Criminal Court in London on Tuesday, September 19.

Officers continue to appeal for information about Sara’s life and would like to speak to anyone who knew her.

12.30 am The Crown Prosecution Service has today (15 September), authorised charges against three people, including Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 41, of Hammond Road, Horsell, Woking, Urfan’s partner, Beinash Batool, 29, of Hammond Road, Woking, and Urfan’s brother, Faisal Malik, 28, of Hammond Road, Woking.

They have also been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.

Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik

All three have been remanded in custody to appear at Guildford Magistrate’s Court later today (15 September).

Sara’s mother has been informed of this latest development and is receiving continuing support by specialist officers.

September 13 This evening Surrey Police confirmed that the three suspects they wanted to question in connection with the murder of Sara Sharif had returned to the UK and had been arrested.

Urfan Sharif, 41, his wife Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28, respectively the father, stepmother and uncle of Sara were arrested at around 7.45pm after disembarking a flight from Dubai.

A short police statement said: “This evening, around 7.45pm, three people were arrested in connection with this investigation at Gatwick Airport.

Two men, aged 41 years and 28 years, and a woman, aged 29 years, were arrested on suspicion of murder after disembarking a flight from Dubai. Police say they are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.

Sara’s mother is reported to have been informed of this latest update and is being supported by specialist officers.

The BBC has reported that the five children the three adults had taken to Pakistan with them have been taken into care by the Pakistani authorities. They had been in the care of their grandfather.

A Police spokesperson said: “Our investigation into the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif was launched following the discovery of her body at her home address in Hammond Road, Woking, on 10 August.

“This has been an extremely fast-moving, challenging and complex enquiry and we remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Sara’s death.

“We will not be commenting any further at this point and will provide further updates as and when we are able to.”

It is normal procedure for police not to report further once an arrest is made. Further details published could be seen to prejudice any connected court case.