Sara Sharif’s father sought by police investigating her murder, along with partner and brother

The father of Sara Sharif, along with his partner and brother, are being sought by detectives investigating her murder and is believed to be in Pakistan, police say.

The 10-year-old was found dead at her home in Woking after officers from Surrey Police were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, at around 2.50am on August 10.

Detective superintendent Mark Chapman said Mr Sharif, his partner, Beinash Batool, and his brother, Faisal Malik, are wanted for questioning in the investigation and police looking to identify anyone else in connection with it.

He said it is believed Mr Sharif travelled to Islamabad on August 9, a day before Sara’s death was discovered, with his partner Ms Batool, and his brother Mr Malik, plus five children aged between one and 13-years old.

He also revealed a post-mortem examination, which took place on Tuesday, revealed the child had suffered “multiple and extensive” injuries – which were likely caused over a “sustained and extended” period of time.

He added no cause of death was established by the post-mortem but further tests are being carried out.

Mr Chapman 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.

“In the meantime, 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.”

Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service, Interpol, the National Crime Agency and Foreign Office to carry out their murder investigation and to liaise with Pakistani authorities.

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.

Sara‘s mother is being supported by specialist officers and police say the two have not been in contact.

This story is being updated.