Kevin Kerjean, 31, a French national born in the Central African Republic, has been charged with murder, rape of a child under 13, and sexual assault of a child under 13 after the death of a two-year-old girl in Chertsey, Surrey. Police confirmed that Kerjean legally entered the UK and had permission to stay.
Incident Details
Police were called to a property on Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, around 5:40pm on Thursday following concerns for safety, where they found the girl deceased. Surrey Police stated the child was known to Kerjean and the incident is believed to have occurred within a family context.
The Home Office confirmed Kerjean legally arrived in the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020. He was granted permission to stay in March 2021 and received an extension allowing him to remain until March 2031.
Online Rumours Dismissed
Police dismissed online rumours that the incident took place in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) for asylum seekers as incorrect. Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: "This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child's family, as well as all those who knew her."
Court Appearance
Kerjean appeared at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody. He is next due at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Superintendent Groenen added: "Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days. We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents and we would like to thank them for their co-operation as we conduct our investigation."
The force stated: "At this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
Community Reaction
On Friday, floral tributes were laid at the entrance to Syward Place, a block of flats on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road. One local resident said: "I'm surprised, that's very unusual for Chertsey." Another commented: "It's tragic. Things like that don't happen around here."
