UK Police Arrest Three Relatives in Connection to Sara Sharif's Death
Three relatives of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was found dead in her Woking, Surrey home, have been arrested and charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. The accused—Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, 42, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 29—deny all charges as their trial proceeds at the Old Bailey.
London – Three relatives of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was found dead in her Woking, Surrey home, have been arrested and charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. The accused—Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, 42, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 29—deny all charges as their trial proceeds at the Old Bailey.
On August 9, 2023, the day after Sara's body was discovered at the family residence, the trio traveled to Pakistan. After a month abroad, they returned to the UK on September 13. Video footage from that day shows police officers boarding an Emirates flight at Gatwick Airport shortly after its arrival from Dubai. As officers approached the trio’s seats, Batool raised her hand, acknowledging, "I think you're looking for us."
During the arrest, police handcuffed Sharif, who confirmed he had no bag with him, before escorting him off the plane. Malik and Batool were also taken into custody upon deboarding, each suspected of involvement in Sara’s death. All three made no comment when interviewed separately by police the following day.
Sara’s body was found on August 10, 2023, lying in a bunk bed. The jury at the Old Bailey heard disturbing details about the young girl’s abuse, including evidence that she had been hooded, burned, bitten, and beaten over a prolonged period. Investigators believe Sara suffered this abuse over more than two years, allegedly at the hands of her family.
The court also heard that, in the months leading up to her death, concerns about Sara’s welfare had been raised at her school. In March 2023, a teacher noticed a bruise on Sara's chin and a dark mark around her right eye. Sara initially told her teacher that her injuries were from a fall while roller-skating and from an itchy eye. However, when questioned by the headteacher, Sara seemed distressed and provided a different explanation.
The school subsequently reported their concerns to the Children’s Single Point of Access, who advised a referral to social services. Despite this, social services opted not to take further action after reviewing the case on March 16. In April, Sara's father informed the school of his decision to withdraw her from school to begin homeschooling.
The trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing.
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