A man charged with the murder of a two-year-old girl in Chertsey, Surrey, legally entered the UK and had leave to remain in the country, police have confirmed
A man accused of murdering a two-year-old girl in Surrey legally entered the UK and had permission to stay in the country, according to police. Kevin Kerjean, 31, who Surrey Police identified as a French national born in the Central African Republic, has also been charged with rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.
Police were summoned to a property on Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, around 5.40pm on Thursday following concerns for safety, where they discovered the girl deceased.
The child is believed to have been known to Kerjean, and officers suspect the incident occurred within a family context, stated Surrey Police. The Home Office confirmed that Kerjean legally arrived in the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020, added the force.
He was granted permission to stay in the UK in March 2021 and received an extension allowing him to remain until March 2031. The force dismissed online rumours suggesting the incident took place in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) for asylum seekers as “incorrect”.
Kerjean made an appearance at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody ahead of his next court date at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s family, as well as all those who knew her.
“Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days.
“We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents and we would like to thank them for their co-operation as we conduct our investigation.”
The force stated: “At this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
On Friday, floral tributes were laid at the entrance to Syward Place, a block of flats situated on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.
One local resident expressed: “I’m surprised, that’s very unusual for Chertsey.”
Another commented: “It’s tragic. Things like that don’t happen around here.”