Inquest into 10-year-old girl's death opens, family still sought internationally.

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【Summary】An inquest has been opened into the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, whose body was found at her home in Woking. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but it is believed to be unnatural. An international manhunt is underway for Sara's father, his partner, and his brother, who left the UK for Pakistan the day before Sara's body was discovered. A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered multiple injuries over an extended period of time.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 7:02 AM PT

Inquest into 10-year-old girl's death opens, family still sought internationally.

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An inquest into the death of a 10-year-old girl in Woking is currently underway to determine the cause of her tragic passing. Sara Sharif's body was discovered at her home on Hammond Road after her father, Urfan Sharif, contacted the police from Pakistan on August 10. The precise cause of death has not yet been determined, but it is believed to be unnatural, as stated during the inquest opening at Surrey Coroner's Court.

Following the discovery of Sara's body, a global manhunt was launched by the police. The authorities are currently seeking three individuals: Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool, and his brother Faisal Malik. The trio, along with their five other children, left the UK for Islamabad with one-way tickets the day before Sara's body was found alone at their semi-detached home.

During the inquest, Coroner Simon Wickens confirmed that Sara was born in Slough, Berkshire, on January 11, 2013. The proceedings have been adjourned until February 29, 2024, to allow Surrey Police to conduct their investigations. Mr. Wickens expressed his sincere condolences to all those affected by Sara's short life.

A previous post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, indicating that they were inflicted over a sustained period of time. In an appeal for information, Sara's grandfather urged his son to cooperate with the police and resolve the matter. Pakistani authorities are currently tracking sim cards in an effort to locate the wanted individuals.

Surrey County Council has confirmed that Sara was known to the authorities, and a thorough review process is currently underway. The headteacher of St Mary's C of E primary school, where Sara was a Year 5 pupil, expressed that she would be dearly missed by both students and teachers.

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, from the Surrey and Sussex Police major crime team, appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation. He emphasized that even seemingly insignificant details could be vital in bringing justice for Sara. The impact of her tragic death continues to be deeply felt by the local and wider community.