A MAN charged with the murder of a two-year-old girl came to the UK legally and had leave to remain in the country, police said.
Kevin Kerjean, 31, who cops said is a French national born in the Central African Republic, was also charged with rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.
Officers were called to a property in Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, Surrey, at around 5.40pm on Thursday, after concerns about safety reports and the girl was found dead.
The child is understood to be known to Kerjean and officers believe the incident took place within a family setting, Surrey Police said.
The Home Office confirmed that Kerjean legally entered the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020, the force added.
He was granted leave to remain in the UK in March 2021 and received an extension which gave him permission to remain until March 2031.
The force said that rumours online that the incident took place in an asylum seeker house of multiple occupancy (HMO) are “incorrect”.
Kerjean appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was remanded ahead of his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court tomorrow.
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 said: “At this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
On Friday, bouquets of flowers were left at the entrance to Syward Place, a flat complex on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.
A local resident said: “I’m surprised, that’s very unusual for Chertsey.”
Another said: “It’s tragic. Things like that don’t happen around here.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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