Sara Sharif: Police search two properties in Surrey as murder investigation continues

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 31st Aug 2023
Last updated 31st Aug 2023

Specialist police teams are searching two properties as the investigation into the death of a 10 year old in Woking continues.

A murder investigation was launched when the body of Sara Sharif was found at her home on the 10th of August after officer received a phone call from her father in Pakistan.

Surrey Police say they will remain remain at two addresses, one in Horsell and one in Byfleet, whilst specialist teams search the properties and carry out forensic enquiries.

10-year-old Sara Sharif was found dead in her home in Woking on August 10

Chief Inspector David Bentley said:

“We are grateful for the community’s support and patience whilst detectives continue to investigate Sara’s tragic murder. A police presence will remain in place in Horsell and Byfleet to allow them to carry out important enquiries as part of the investigation.

“If anyone has any concerns or would like to speak to an officer about the investigation, please send us a message through our official Facebook channels or our website.”

An inquest into Sara's death opened and adjourned at Woking Coroner's Court earlier this week.

Coroner Simon Wickens said the precise cause of death is "not yet ascertained" but is likely to be "unnatural".

He then adjourned inquest proceedings until February 29 2024 to allow Surrey Police to carry out their investigations.

Mr Wickens offered his "sincere condolences" to all those "touched by Sara's short life".

Police have remained at a house on Hammond Road since Sara's body was found on the 10th of August

Police believe Mr Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28, fled to Islamabad the day before the youngster's body was discovered.

The case has sparked a huge manhunt involving detectives from the two countries.

Surrey Police are continuing to appeal for information to help them piece together a picture of Sara's lifestyle prior to her death.

They widened the timescale of their investigation after the post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.

Anyone with any information about Sara should contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Unison.

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

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.