Sara Sharif murder trial confirmed for October

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Sara Sharif, who was found dead at her home in Woking in AugustImage source, Surrey Police
Image caption,

Sara Sharif was found dead at her home in Woking in August

A trial date has been set for three people accused of killing 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was found dead at her home in Surrey last August.

Sara's father, Urfan, 42, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 29, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 28, are charged with murder.

All three have pleaded not guilty.

The defendants earlier appeared by video link for a short hearing at the Old Bailey, when the trial date was set for 1 October.

The three are also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, which they all deny.

Image source, Surrey Police
Image caption,

Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik

The trial will be heard by High Court judge Mr Justice Cavanagh and is estimated to last between five and six weeks.

Surrey's coroner confirmed an application had been received from Surrey Police to suspend the inquest into Sara's death pending the conclusion of the trial.

The application was granted by the senior coroner, as it is the usual procedure in such circumstances.

A spokesperson said: "Once the criminal proceedings have been concluded, the coroner will consider whether or not the inquest should be resumed."

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