05 September 2023 , 15:29
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Sara Sharif's dad claimed that her death was an accident, her grandad has said.
The 10-year-old was found dead at her home near Woking after police were called from Pakistan by her dad, Urfan Sharif, who is thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9. A post-mortem examination showed Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.
Urfan's dad, Muhammad Sharif, said he briefly saw him after he arrived in Jhelum, the city where he was brought up. He has since urged Urfan, as well as his son's partner, Beinash Batool, 29, and brother, Faisal Malik, 28, to hand themselves into police.
The grandad claimed that Urfan fled the UK "out of fear", and denied having been in touch with him recently. Officers reportedly started their search for the trio on August 15 after receiving a request from Interpol via the country's Federal Investigation Agency.
Sara's dad, Urfan Sharif (PA)
Urfan's partner, Beinash Batool (PA)Muhammed told the BBC: "It was an accident, he didn't tell me how it happened." When asked why Urfan fled the UK, he replied: "Because of fear. His daughter died and when you go under so much trauma, obviously you can't think properly."
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He reportedly became upset while talking about his granddaughter, who had visited Pakistan twice. He said: "Everything about her was so beautiful. You cannot single out one thing, she was a very lovely granddaughter."
His claim that Sara's death was an accident comes despite conflicting comments in earlier interviews, in which he said Urfan did not tell his relatives about his daughter's passing. Muhammed previously said: "I met Urfan and he stayed with us for two nights along with his children and wife. He did not inform us about the death of Sara and suddenly they all left the house.
"Sara visited Pakistan twice two years ago, she was dear to me and a very cute and obedient girl. I was shocked when I heard about her death. I don't know why this incident happened."
Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing, and an inquest into the youngster's death was opened last week. Sara's mum, Olga Sharif, is being supported by specialist officers.
Flowers being laid outside Sara's home (SWNS)Renewing the appeal last month, Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: "We would like to thank those people who have already come forward and reported information to us. However, we know that there will be lots of people in the Woking community and beyond who will have had contact with Sara who may not already have come forward, and we would encourage them to do so.
"Any information is better than no information - although you might think it's insignificant, it might be vital to the investigation and in helping us to bring justice for Sara." An inquest opened last week at Woking Coroner's Court was told that although her cause of death has not yet been determined, it was likely to have been "unnatural".
Giving his condolences to the family, Coroner Simon Wickens adjourned inquest proceedings until February 29 next year to allow police to to carry out investigations. A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: "We can confirm that we have been liaising with our international partners since 10 August, the day that Sara’s body was discovered.
"Our enquiries remain ongoing to locate the three people we would like to speak to in connection with Sara’s death and we are continuing to work with the Crown Prosecution Service and international agencies, including Interpol, the National Crime Agency and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as the Pakistani authorities."