Teacher’s tribute to ‘bubbly’ schoolgirl, 10, with ‘beautiful smile’ found dead in Woking

Sara Sharif was found at a property in Woking, Surrey, after police were believed to be called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, on August 10, and now tributes have been paid to her

Sara Sharif was found dead at her home in Woking (

Image: AP)

A 10-year-old girl found dead at home has been described as a “bubbly and confident” pupil by her headteacher.

Sara Sharif suffered extensive injuries over a sustained period before she was found, her post-mortem examination found last week. The youngster was discovered in the property in Woking, Surrey after police were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, on August 10.

Mr Sharif, 41, his partner, Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted for questioning.

Surrey Police issued an image of Urfan Sharif as they investigate the tragedy (

Image:

PA) The force also released this picture of Beinash Batool, Mr Sharif’s partner (

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PA)

Jacquie Chambers, headteacher of St Mary’s C of E primary school in Byfleet – where Sara had been a Year 5 pupil, said she would be “dearly missed” by pupils and teachers.

In a statement reported by the BBC, she said: “She [Sara] was a bubbly, confident little girl who had the most beautiful smile. She was full of ideas and was very passionate about the things she believed in.”

Ms Chambers added: “Sara will be dearly missed and, as a school community, we are all deeply affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with those affected by this heartbreaking news.”

She said St Mary’s C of E was “fully supporting partner agencies with their investigations”, before adding their current priority was “to support our school community as they grieve and recover”.

Neighbours in the quiet village, which is in the London commuter belt, spoke of their shock at the probe (

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SplashNews.com)

It was reported on Saturday that Pakistan police in the eastern province of Punjab were seeking to arrest Mr Sharif in connection with Sara’s death.

Surrey Police last gave an official update on the investigation one week ago, stating no other people were present at the address when they found Sara.

“Detectives have confirmed that no other people were present at the address when they attended in the early hours of Thursday morning (10 August). The three people they would like to speak to were known to the victim,” the force said.

“Formal identification is yet to take place but we understand the child has been named locally. No arrests have been made at this time… Officers remain at the address whilst the investigation continues and further updates will be provided in due course.”