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Review Finds Multi-Agency Failures in Sara Sharif Case, Urges Safeguarding Reforms

An independent review faults multi-agency safeguarding, urging tighter oversight when children are withdrawn from school.

Overview

  • The independent review finds services repeatedly missed warning signs, failed to question injuries and underestimated the risk posed by Sara’s father.
  • Courts have already jailed Urfan Sharif for a minimum 40 years and Beinash Batool for 33 years, with uncle Faisal Malik sentenced to 16 years.
  • After she was withdrawn from school for home education, Sara effectively disappeared from view; the report calls for mandatory meetings when previously known children are taken out of school.
  • Investigators cite lost chances, including a closed referral after visible bruising, delays and a misdirected home visit days before her death.
  • The review flags systemic gaps such as inconsistent interpreter access for her mother and weak cultural guidance, while Surrey’s leader apologises and urges national reform.