An international search has been launched after detectives said they believed three people sought over the suspected murder of a 10-year-old girl in Surrey had left the UK.
A murder investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, was opened on Thursday after the child’s body was found at a house in the village of Horsell, near Woking.
The senior investigating officer, DCI Debbie White, said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident has continued at pace today with a number of inquiries under way.
“We have identified three people we would like to speak to in connection with our investigation, and from our inquiries, we believe that they left the country on Wednesday 9 August. We are working with our partners, including international authorities, to locate them.
“Officers have been in the local area today carrying out house-to-house inquiries and we expect a police presence to remain around the scene over the coming week.”
There was a heavy police presence at the semi-detached property on Friday, as people laid flowers on the pavement. Neighbours told reporters that a Pakistani family with six “very young” children had moved into the house in April.
Insp Sandra Carlier, the borough commander for Woking, said: “I know that the community are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s events, and we stand with them in their grief. Officers will remain in the area carrying out patrols, and inquiries as part of the investigation, over the weekend.
“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public at this time.”
Earlier, residents told reporters of their shock at the news of the girl’s death. One woman, who did not want to be named, said she was “traumatised” and her children were “terrified”. She said: “It’s just a shock. My 16-year-old daughter was very upset thinking about that little girl.”
Families laid flowers outside the home where the girl was found. One note of condolence read: “Sweet girl, I’m so sorry that your sparkle was put out too soon.” Another person gave “all their love” to the family, writing that they were “devastated” for them.
The child’s family had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers, Surrey police said.
