Police are searching globally for three people in connection with the suspected murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, whose body was found at a house in Woking.
The individuals police want to speak to are Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28 – who left the UK for Pakistan on Wednesday 9 August, the day before Sara was discovered.
Surrey Police have now confirmed that Urfan Sharif made a 999 call from Pakistan leading officers to the house where they found Sara’s body with “multiple and extensive injuries” likely caused over an extended period of time. Following a post-mortem medical examination on Tuesday, cause of death has been “still to be established” and further tests are need.
Amidst the dismay of the tragic news, authorities are calling for help in finding Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik in what is set to be an international manhunt.
In a tragic development, the body of 10-year-old Ukhty Iqbal Sharif was discovered by Surrey police in a house in Hammond Road at 2:50am on Thursday 10 August. After receiving reports of concern for safety, police were sent to the residence, only to find the 10-year-old deceased with no one else present.
Ukhty’s father, Urfan Sharif had previously travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan alongside his partner and five children aged between one and thirteen. Major Crime Team Coordinator Det Supt Mark Chapman of Surrey and Sussex Police have confirmed that they are partners with Interpol, the National Crime Agency, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in order to progress investigations into the matter in collaboration with Pakistan authorities.
Nadeem Riaz, a travel agent located in Woking, told that he was contacted by Urfan Sharif at around 10 pm on Tuesday 8th August, asking him to book tickets to Pakistan immediately. When asked why this was necessary, Mr. Sharif explained that his cousin had tragically passed away. Consequently, plans were put into motion to book eight one-way tickets for himself, his brother and wife, and their five children. The flights departed the UK the following day, traveling through Bahrain and arriving in Islamabad at 5:35 local time on Thursday 10th August. The tickets were used as intended.
Following this news, Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, has called for a ‘rapid review’ to be conducted in order to determine whether a further local child safeguarding practice should be held. This would bring together local police forces, social care representatives and education experts to review the work of agencies involved.