Police are now investigating after the girl was found dead at her home (Picture: PA)
Neighbours have described their shock after a 10-year-old girl was found dead in her home.
Police launched a murder investigation after the girl was discovered at her home in Horsell, Surrey, on Thursday.
Detectives now want to speak to three people in connection with her murder who have now left the country.
Locals could be seen laying flowers on Hammond Road as a heavy police presence remains in force.
Some of the bunches had notes of condolences attached, while one woman began crying.
A note read: ‘Sweet girl, I’m so sorry that your sparkle was put out too soon’.
Another person gave ‘all their love’ to the family, writing they were ‘devastated’ for them.
Neighbours said a Pakistani family with six children moved into the house in April.
A mum local to the area said she was ‘traumatised’ by the news, and said her children were ‘terrified’.
A heavy police presence remains in place (Picture: PA)
Neighbours described their shock at the incident (Picture: PA)
Tributes were placed out in memory of the girl (Picture: PA)
She said: ‘It’s just a shock. My 16-year-old daughter was very upset thinking about that little girl.’
Surrey Police confirmed it was called to the address at 2.50am on Thursday following ‘concern’ for the girl’s safety.
Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s major crime team are leading the investigation.
The girl’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Debbie White the senior investigating officer said: ‘Our investigation into this tragic incident has continued at pace today with a number of enquiries underway.
‘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, August 9. We are working with our partners, including international authorities, to locate them.
‘Officers have been in the local area today carrying out house to house enquiries and we expect a police presence to remain around the scene over the coming week.
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‘We have no reason to believe there is any risk to the public.
‘There is a significant police presence in Hammond Road and this will remain over the coming days.
‘We appreciate that the police presence will be causing concern and we would like to thank local residents for their co-operation as we conduct our investigation.
‘We will provide further updates as soon as we are in a position to.’
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Surrey Police, quoting PR/45230089209.
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A heavy police presence remains in place.
