Sara Sharif’s family members held on suspicion of murder after landing in UK
Three family members of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was found dead in her Surrey home, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after arriving on a flight from Dubai.
Urfan Sharif, the father of Sara, his partner Beinash Batool (both pictured) and brother Faisal Malik, travelled to Islamabad a day before police discovered her body in Woking on August 10.
A post-mortem examination found the youngster had suffered “multiple and extensive injuries” over a “sustained and extended” period of time.
The three arrived at Gatwick airport at just after 7.30pm on Wednesday on an Emirates flight from Sialkot, in eastern Punjab province, via Dubai, before police swooped in and took them away for questioning in connection with Sara’s death.
Surrey Police said: “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.
“They are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.
“Sara’s mother has been informed of this latest update and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her and those affected by Sara’s death at this very difficult time.
“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.”
Sialkot police spokesperson Khan Mudassir said the three were handed over to the Pakistani Federal Investigation Agency.
Five of Sara’s siblings, aged between one and 13 years old, travelled to the South Asian country on August 9 with Mr Sharif, Ms Batool and Mr Malik.
Surrey Police said on Tuesday officers are working to secure the safe return of the children after a court ruled they would be temporarily moved to a government childcare facility.
He 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. They are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.
“Sara’s mother has been informed of this latest update and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her and those affected by Sara’s death at this very difficult time.
“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.”
Copyright (c) PA Media Ltd. 2023, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Surrey Police / PA.
