Woking murder inquiry: Trio sought over death of girl, 10, have left UK

The scene on Hammond Road in Woking remained taped off on Friday

Three people detectives want to speak to over the death of a 10-year-old girl in Woking are believed to have left the UK, police have said.

The girl's body was found after police officers were called to an address in Hammond Road, Woking, at about 02:50 BST on Thursday following a safety concern.

Det Ch Insp Debbie White said it was "a devastating incident".

The three people are believed to have left the UK on Wednesday.

Det Ch Insp White said: "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."

A spokesperson for the force said no-one else had been injured, and no arrests had been made. A post-mortem examination will be carried out on Tuesday.

House-to-house inquiries were being conducted on Friday, and police said they will maintain a presence at the scene over the coming week.

Insp 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."

A neighbour who lives directly opposite the house said a family with six children had lived at the property for less than six months.

"They were normal children, friendly. They seemed like a decent family," he said.

"It doesn't seem real."

Flowers have been laid at the scene in tribute to the 10-year-old girl

On Thursday, Det Ch Insp White said: "Our officers are working hard to build a picture of what happened.

"We have no reason to believe there is any risk to the public."

There was a significant police presence near the address in Hammond Road, which would remain closed over the coming days, she added.

The deceased girl's family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, described the area as a "pretty normal" neighbourhood, adding: "There is no real activity going on."

Another local added: "The area is very peaceful. It is busy during term time with children walking to and from. But it's a lovely, vibrant place normally."

A spokesperson for St Mary's Horsell in Woking said the church would be open so the community could attend for "prayer, reflection or comfort".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our whole community, but especially those who will be so deeply affected by this tragedy," they said.

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