Three suspects in 10-year-old girl’s murder believed to have left country, police say

Three people wanted by police in connection with the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Woking are believed to have left the country on Wednesday, police have announced.

A murder probe was launched by Surrey Police on Thursday after discovering the child was found at a house in the quiet village of Horsell.

Neighbours claimed a Pakistani family with six “very young” children moved into the house in April.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector Debbie White, senior investigating officer, said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident has continued at pace today with a number of inquiries under way.

“We have identified three people we would like to speak to in connection with our investigation and from our inquiries, we believe that they left the country on Wednesday, August 9.

“We are working with our partners, including international authorities, to locate them.

“Officers have been in the local area today carrying out house-to-house inquiries and we expect a police presence to remain around the scene over the coming week.”

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Inspector Sandra Carlier, borough commander for Woking, said: “I know that the community are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s events, and we stand with them in their grief.

“Officers will remain in the area carrying out patrols, and inquiries as part of the investigation, over the weekend.

“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public at this time.

“We will continue to provide updates as and when we are able to.”

There was a heavy police presence at the semi-detached property on Hammond Road on Friday as people laid flowers on the pavement.

Several people who stopped to pay their respects became tearful, while one elderly man doffed his hat as he walked by.

Earlier on Friday neighbours described how they were in a state of shock after hearing of the girl’s death.

One mother, who wished not to be named, said she was “traumatised” by the news, adding that her children were “terrified”.

She said: “It’s just a shock. My 16-year-old daughter was very upset thinking about that little girl.”

Another local woman said she “couldn’t believe it”, adding: “I can’t get it into my head – the world has gone mad.”

Additional reporting by Press Association.