Three people who are being sought by police in connection to an investigation into the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Woking are believed to have left the UK.

Surrey police launched a murder investigation on Thursday after discovering the body of a young girl during a welfare check in a home in Horsell.

There was a heavy police presence around the semi-detached home on Friday with locals laying flowers on the pavement outside the property.

Neighbours told PA News that a family with "very young" children had moved into the Surrey house in April.

Detective Chief Inspector Debbie White, 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, 9 August. 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.”

Inspector Sandra Carlier, borough commander for Woking, said: “I know that the community are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s events, and we stand with them in their grief. Officers will remain in the area carrying out patrols, and enquiries as part of the investigation, over the weekend.

“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public at this time. We will continue to provide updates as and when we are able to.”