Children's services in Surrey failed to identify abuse suffered by 10-year-old Sara Sharif before her murder, a safeguarding practice review has found.
Sara was killed in August 2023 by her father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool, who were both sentenced to life imprisonment.
The review revealed council staff attempted to visit Sara's home three days before her death but went to the wrong address.
Investigators found safeguarding procedures were not consistently followed, and assessments and information-gathering were inadequate.
Staff reportedly did not respond to visible bruising and were hesitant to question why Sara had begun wearing a hijab, which concealed bruising and injuries, when other family members did not. One occupational therapist later reflected she may have been reluctant to raise concerns ‘for fear of causing offence'.
Surrey CC chief executive Terence Herbert said: ‘We are deeply sorry for the findings in the report related to us as a local authority. We have already taken robust action to address those relating to Surrey CC and that work will continue with every recommendation implemented in full. We are absolutely determined to keep making improvements that can help keep children safe.'
