UK
Sara Sharif’s family being ‘harassed’ by police, says grandfather
The grandfather of Sara Sharif has urged his son to “present himself” to police and give his “point of view” following the 10-year-old girl’s death.
Muhammad Sharif also said his family is being “harassed” by police who have taken his family members into custody.
Police want to speak to Muhammad Sharif’s son Urfan Sharif, as well as his partner Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Shahzad Malik, after Sara was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August.
Sara Sharif was found dead at her home in Woking. Pic: AP
Officers believe Urfan Sharif, 41, along with Ms Batool, 29, Mr Malik, 28, and five children aged between one and 13, travelled to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad the day before Sara’s body was discovered.
Muhammad Sharif, 68, told Sky News: “We appeal to the police to release my family members.
“I have tried my best to contact Urfan and ask him to present himself and give his point of view.”
Muhammad Sharif had earlier told The Sunday Times his son had briefly visited the family home in Jhelum, Punjab province, in August.
A post-mortem last month revealed Sara had “suffered multiple and extensive injuries” that were “likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time”.
Her cause of death has yet to be determined – but an inquest has heard it is “likely to be unnatural”.
She was previously known to authorities, according to Surrey County Council, while Surrey Police said they had “limited and historic contact” with Sara’s family.
Sara’s father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool are wanted by police
Police and Interpol hunt for family
Urfan Sharif called 999 from Pakistan on the day his daughter’s body was found, expressing concern for her safety, according to officers.
Police in Pakistan have been trying their “level best” to locate the family, while Interpol and other agencies are also involved in the hunt to find them.
Last week, a cousin of Ms Batool urged her to “come back to the UK” and hand herself in to the police.
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Sara’s grandfather urges son to hand himself in
The relative, who asked not to be named, said Ms Batool was estranged from her parents, having eloped to marry Mr Sharif.
Last month, police in the Pakistan city of Jhelum told Sky News that Sara’s uncle Imran Sharif, had been in custody but was not under arrest.
He told officers the family line was that Sara fell at home, police said.
He is alleged to have told officers: “Beinash was home with the children. Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Beinash panicked and phoned Urfan.”
Sara’s mother Olga Sharif has been supported by specialist officers since her daughter’s death.