A safeguarding review has found that Surrey council staff visited the wrong address the day before 10-year-old Sara Sharif was murdered by her father and stepmother. The review highlighted 'glaring failures and missed opportunities' by multiple agencies, including the failure to identify that Sara was at risk of abuse and to question unexplained bruising.
Sara was killed by her father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool in August 2023 after years of escalating brutality. She was found dead in a bunk bed after her father fled to Pakistan, leaving a note saying he had 'lost it'. Sharif and Batool were later jailed for life, with minimum terms of 40 and 33 years respectively. Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, was also convicted and sentenced to 16 years.
The review found that the seriousness of Sara's father as a serial perpetrator of domestic abuse was overlooked by almost all professionals. Surrey children's services did not identify Sara as at risk and failed to respond to bruising and changes in her demeanour. The review stated that 'a great deal of information, especially about the risks posed to her by her father, was available but opportunities were lost to join up all the dots'.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said Sara's death 'was an appalling tragedy that could – and should – have been avoided'. She added that the review highlights 'glaring failures and missed opportunities across all agencies' and that steps would be taken to ensure no child is left invisible to services meant to keep them safe.
The review also criticised legislation that meant there was no requirement for a formal discussion about Sara being homeschooled, despite her previous contact with social services. It noted an over-reliance on Sara's views without considering how hard it is for children to talk about abuse. At no time did Sara reveal the abuse, appearing outwardly 'cheerful and loyal' to her father, who 'groomed and manipulated her'.
