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Sara Sharif: More tests needed to establish cause of death

BBC Sara SharifBBC
Sara's body was found at her family home in Woking, Surrey

Further tests are needed to establish the cause of death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, police have said.

Sara's body was found at her family home in Woking, Surrey, at about 02:50 BST on 10 August.

A post-mortem examination performed on Tuesday concluded that the cause was "still to be established".

Three people known to Sara booked one-way tickets to Pakistan, and flew the day before her body was found, BBC News understands.

Surrey Police launched a murder investigation after Sara's body was found alone in the property in Hammond Road, and officers plan to be there for "some weeks".

Flowers with a note, handwritten in Polish
Flowers have been left outside the house where Sara's body was found

No arrests have been made, but the three people detectives wish to speak to are believed to have left the country on 9 August.

A travel agent in Woking told the BBC that he was contacted by someone known to Sara, wanting tickets for three adults and five children.

On Thursday, flowers were left outside the house, including a bouquet with a card written in Polish that appeared to be from Sara's mother.

The message translated as: "Sleep sweetly my darling daughter. You are an angel in heaven now and watching over us from above. Love you, Mama."

Det Supt Mark Chapman, of the Surrey Police and Sussex Police major crime team, said officers are not looking to identify anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has also revealed it is working with Surrey Police in their investigation.

A van, balloon and flowers outside a house, which also has a gazebo set up outside
Police said Sara's mother continued to be supported by specially trained officers

A statement from the NCA said: "The NCA is supporting Surrey Police with their investigations into the murder of a 10 year old girl.

"This involves specialist officers from our Joint International Crime Centre and across our international network providing operational support, advice and guidance as required."

The BBC has spoken to police in Pakistan who have said that no formal approach has been made by the British authorities over the case.

Pakistan and the UK do not have a formal extradition treaty.

Surrey Police said the girl's mother was informed and continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

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