Sara Sharif, 10, who was murdered by her father and stepmother, “was failed by the safeguarding system” throughout her short life, a review which identified a series of missed opportunities said.
Criminal proceedings concluded in December 2024, that saw father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool being found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, while Sharif’s brother, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and sentenced to 16 years
Following this, a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review commenced, finding Sara had been “failed” by the safeguarding system throughout her life.
The report details how there are “several points in Sara’s life, in particular during the last few months, where different actions could and should have been taken and the system failed to keep her safe.”
“But it should not be forgotten that at the heart of Sara’s life and death is a violent woman, and a violent man who was capable of grooming and manipulating those around him,” the report added.
“Many times, professionals recognised the risk to Sara from the adults looking after her, most notably her father, and steps were taken to try and keep her safe. Ultimately these steps failed.”
In response to the report, the partners of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership said: “As a Partnership, we would like to express our sorrow and sincere condolences to anyone affected by Sara’s tragic death.
“People who knew Sara described her as a beautiful little girl with a lovely smile and a loud laugh, and we must honour her legacy by understanding what happened and strengthening our practice to help protect children.
Sara Sharif died on August 8, 2023 in Woking, Surrey | SURREY POLICE“Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings in December 2024, a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review proceeded, and has subsequently been published by the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership today.
“The review was independently authored and reviewed the practice of all agencies involved with Sara’s family, throughout the entirety of her life.
“Whilst it is clear Sara was murdered by adults who should have loved and cared for her, and who are ultimately responsible for her death, the review has found points of learning for the child protection system both locally and nationally.
“All agencies represented by the Partnership take the findings of this report extremely seriously and will work urgently together to agree a joint action plan that puts in place the local learnings from the review.
“Progress against this action plan will be closely monitored to ensure all partners are working together to keep children in Surrey safe.”
More to follow.
