THE Somerset mother of a 10-year-old girl is being supported by police after three family members were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The three were taken into custody after arriving on a flight to Gatwick Airport yesterday (Wednesday, September 13).

They are being questioned by detectives investigating the death of Sara Sharif, who was found dead in her home.

Urfan Sharif, the father of the ten-year-old girl, his partner Beinash Batool and brother Faisal Malik, travelled to Islamabad in Pakistan a day before police discovered Sara’s body in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.

Somerset County Gazette:

A post mortem examination found the youngster had suffered “multiple and extensive injuries” over a “sustained and extended” period of time.

The trio arrived at Gatwick at around 7.30pm yesterday on an Emirates flight from Sialkot, via Dubai, before police swooped in and took them away for questioning in connection with Sara’s death.

A police spokesman said: “Two men, aged 41 and 28, and a woman, aged 29, were arrested on suspicion of murder after disembarking a flight from Dubai.

“They are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.

“Sara’s mother (Olga Sharif) has been informed of this latest update and is being supported by specialist officers.

"Our thoughts remain with her and those affected by Sara’s death at this very difficult time.

“This has been an extremely fast-moving, challenging and complex enquiry and we remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Sara’s death.

“We will not be commenting any further at this point and will provide further updates as and when we are able to.”

Five of Sara’s siblings, aged between one and 13 years old, travelled to the South Asian country on August 9 with Mr Sharif, Ms Batool and Mr Malik. They have since been moved to a childcare facility, according to reports.

Surrey Police said on Tuesday officers are working to secure the safe return of the children after a court ruled they would be temporarily moved to a government childcare facility.

The County Gazette recently reported how Olga Sharif struggled to believe her "beautiful" and "amazing" daughter was dead.

READ MORE: Olga Sharif's tribute to daughter Sara.

Olga, from Yeovil, said her "life will never be the same”.

She added: "“Sara was so beautiful. I can’t believe she’s dead.

“My life will never be the same again. Sara should be with me right now.

 

“Sara was an amazing child.”