A three-year-old girl has been found dead at a residential property in Surrey, with police arresting a man in connection with her death.
Surrey Police confirmed they were called to the address following concern for the welfare of the young child. Officers discovered the girl dead at the scene, and a 31-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
Detectives leading the investigation have indicated they believe the child’s death occurred within a family setting, suggesting those involved were known to one another. The man remains in custody as enquiries continue.
A Surrey Police spokesperson said the force was working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and that a dedicated team of detectives had been assigned to the case. Specialist officers are also providing support to those affected.
The death has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is standard procedure in cases involving the death of a child, and Surrey’s safeguarding authorities have been notified.
Local residents in the area expressed shock at the news, with neighbours describing the discovery as deeply distressing. The scene remained cordoned off as forensic investigators carried out examinations of the property.
Authorities have urged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward and contact Surrey Police directly. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out to determine the precise cause of the child’s death.
The case is being treated as an isolated incident and police have stated there is no wider risk to the public. The identity of the child has not been formally released, and no further details about the arrested man have been disclosed at this stage.
Child death investigations of this nature are handled with the utmost sensitivity, and Surrey Police confirmed that specially trained family liaison officers have been deployed to support relatives during what they described as an incredibly difficult time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. That poor little girl, only 3 years old. I cant even imagine what her mum must be going through right now. Children deserve to be safe, especially in there own home. Hope justice is served properly this time.