Child's Body Found In Bicester
17 May 2013, 13:31 | Updated: 17 May 2013, 16:14
Thames Valley Police are looking for the mother of a 20-month-old girl whose body was found at a house in Bicester.
Officers discovered the toddler's body in Herald Way, Glory Farm on Thursday (16/5)
They went to the address after being contacted by a concerned family member.
Sarah Dahane was formally identified this morning by her father. A post mortem examination took place yesterday and the cause of death remains unexplained with further tests and toxicology to take place.
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Ch Insp Ian Hunter said: “Whilst the circumstances of Sarah’s death remain unexplained, we are carrying out a detailed and thorough investigation to establish exactly how and why she died.
“We are supporting Sarah’s father, who is separated from her mother, with dedicated family liaison officers.
“From information available to us at this time, it would appear Sarah’s mother has left the UK at some stage during Wednesday (15/5) evening. She is believed to have travelled to Kenya. Her exact whereabouts are unknown and we are working with other authorities to establish her exact location.
“While we are working with those individuals and authorities that were in contact with both Sarah and her mother prior to her death, we urgently wish to speak to Sarah’s mother to better understand exactly what has happened. We strongly urge her to present herself to the authorities.”
Sarah's father Nabil Dahane has released the following family tribute:
"To my uniquely beautiful Sarah: You have meant the world to me. The time spent with you, though has been cut very short, was an absolute joy and the sweet memories we made together will stay with me for as long as I live. May you rest in peace babe and I will surely see you in heaven."
Supt Colin Paine, LPA Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire said: "Incidents of this nature are extremely sad and will inevitably be felt throughout the community.
"I would like to reassure the local community that there is no risk posed to them and the local neighbourhood team will be carrying out patrols to speak to residents about any concerns they may have."