Sara Sharif’s fugitive father, stepmother and uncle have been arrested on suspicion of murder after returning to the UK.

Police were searching for the three relatives, her father Urfan Sharif, his partner, Beinash Batool, and brother Faisal Malikafter, after they fled to Pakistan following Sara’s death.

The family lawyer, Raja Haq Nawaz, said they boarded an Emirates flight from Sialkot to Dubai before transferring to another flight to Gatwick.

They were arrested upon landing yesterday evening.

The 10-year-old Sara’s body had been found by officers at her home in Hammond Road, Woking, in the early hours on 10 August.

Detectives widened the timescale of their investigation after the post-mortem revealed that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.

An investigation called Operation Unison, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, was launched to establish the circumstances of Sara’s death and this remains ongoing.

A spokesperson from Surrey Police said yesterday evening: “Our investigation into the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif was launched following the discovery of her body at her home address in Hammond Road, Woking, on 10 August.

“This evening, around 7.45pm, three people were arrested in connection with this investigation at Gatwick Airport.

“Two men, aged 41 years and 28 years, and a woman, aged 29 years, were arrested on suspicion of murder after disembarking a flight from Dubai. They are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.

“Sara’s mother has been informed of this latest update and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her and those affected by Sara’s death at this very difficult time.

“This has been an extremely fast-moving, challenging and complex enquiry and we remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Sara’s death.

“We will not be commenting any further at this point and will provide further updates as and when we are able to.”

(Source: Surrey Police)