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. It is believed that Sara lived at this address.

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

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.

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.

We are continuing to work with our local partners in Surrey to progress the safeguarding review.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has reviewed information from Surrey Police in relation to previous contact with Sara Sharif and are satisfied that it does not appear to meet the criteria for a death or serious injury referral.

Operation Unison - The Investigation into the Murder of Sara Sharif