Three people sought by police over the death of a 10-year-old girl are believed to have left the country.
The youngster was found dead in a semi-detached property in the quiet village of Horsell, near Woking, Surrey, in the early hours of Thursday after police were alerted to a concern for safety.
Detectives have identified three people they want to speak to as part of their enquiries.
They are believed to have left the country on Wednesday, Surrey Police say.
Senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Debbie White, said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident has continued at pace today with a number of enquiries under way.
“We have identified three people we would like to speak to in connection with our investigation and from our enquiries, we believe that they left the country on Wednesday, 9 August. We are working with our partners, including international authorities, to locate them.
“Officers have been in the local area today carrying out house to house enquiries and we expect a police presence to remain around the scene over the coming week.”
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Neighbours said that a Pakistani family with six “very young” children had moved into the house in April.
Local families laid flowers outside the property on Friday. Some were left with written tributes, including: “Sweet girl, I’m so sorry that your sparkle was put out too soon.”
One mother, who did no want to be named, said she was “traumatised” by the girl’s death and that her children were “terrified”.
“It’s just a shock. My 16-year-old daughter was very upset thinking about that little girl,” she said.
Inspector Sandra Carlier, borough commander for Woking, said: “I know that the community are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s events, and we stand with them in their grief. Officers will remain in the area carrying out patrols, and enquiries as part of the investigation, over the weekend.
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“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public at this time. We will continue to provide updates as and when we are able to.”
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
