Bicester death: Police believe mother fled to Kenya

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-22571372

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Police believe the mother of a 20-month-old girl whose body was found in a house has fled to Kenya.

Sarah Dahane was identified by her father on Friday morning but a post-mortem examination has failed to establish the cause of her death.

Det Ch Insp Ian Hunter said the father was separated from the girl's mother, who is believed to have left the UK on Wednesday.

Sarah's body was found at the house in Herald Way, Bicester, on Thursday.

Officers had received a report concerning fear for a child's welfare. Sarah was pronounced dead at the scene.

Urgently seeking mother

Mr Hunter, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We are carrying out a detailed and thorough investigation to establish exactly how and why she died.

"Her [mother's] 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."

Examinations are expected to continue at the house on Friday.

Police have not yet revealed the identities of the mother or father and said further lines of inquiry needed to be pursued.

Further tests on the child's body are due to take place.