Operation Unison

The investigation 

Sara’s body was found on 10 August 2023 after police were called to an address in Hammond Road, Woking, at around 2.50am following a 999 call. 

On arrival, Sara was found dead inside the property.

An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, was launched to establish the circumstances of Sara's death.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct reviewed information from Surrey Police in relation to previous contact with Sara Sharif and were satisfied that it does not appear to meet the criteria for a death or serious injury referral. Additionally, while there was insufficient evidence to prosecute previous allegations of domestic abuse by Urfan Sharif, relevant information was always shared with other agencies. 

The post-mortem examination, which took place on 15 August 2023, did not establish the cause of Sara’s death and further tests were carried out.

The post-mortem did, however, reveal that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, sustained over an extended period of time.

Three people charged with the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 15 September 2023.

Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfan’s brother Faisal Malik, 28, all appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court charged with her murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

The Trial

All three appeared at The Central Criminal Court in London on Thursday 19 September 2023. They were remanded in custody until the plea and trial preparation hearing at The Central Criminal Court in London on 1 December 2023.

The trial started on 7 October 2024 and verdicts were delivered on 11 December 2024. Urfan Sharif, Sara's father, and Beinash Batool, Sara's stepmother, were found guilty of murder. Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child.

Local Child Safeguarding Partnership Review

On 13 November 2025, Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership, consisting of Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB and NHS Frimley ICB, published the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review into the death of Sara. The review, commissioned by the partnership, was carried out following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings in December 2024, to identify learnings for all agencies involved in Sara’s short life.

The report can be read here. 

In response to the report Assistant Chief Constable Tanya Jones said:

“The abuse and murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif by members of her own family is one of the most shocking and tragic cases we have ever investigated. No child should ever have to suffer what Sara did at the hands of those who should have shown her only love, and an extensive police investigation was carried out to ensure her father, stepmother and uncle were convicted for their crimes.

“The Local Child Safeguarding Partnership Review (LCSPR), commissioned by the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership, was carried out following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings in December 2024, to identify learnings for all agencies involved in Sara’s short life.

“The findings within the report are clear, and we will work with the partnership to help implement its recommendations and safeguard our children and young people as effectively as possible.”

Operation Unison - The Investigation into the Murder of Sara Sharif