Police have confirmed the residential status of a man who was charged with murder and rape following the death of a two-year-old toddler in Surrey. Surrey Police also want to dispel false information circulating online, which claims that incidents took place in an asylum seeker HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation). This is incorrect.
The two-year-old girl was tragically found dead at an address on Pyrcroft Road in Chertsey on Thursday, June 25. Kevin Kerjean, 31, a French national who was born in the Central African Republic, was subsequently charged with murder, rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13, and has been remanded in custody.
Following an investigation into the incident, the Home Office has confirmed Kerjean legally entered the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020. 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.
Kerjean appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on June 27 and has been remanded ahead of his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, June 29.
An investigation led by Major Crime Team remains ongoing to establish the circumstances of the girl’s death, after police were called to the property to reports of a concern for safety at around 5.40pm on Thursday, June 25.
Officers said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
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 cooperation as we conduct our investigation.”
Police have asked anyone with information that might assist the investigation to get in touch via the Major Incident Public Portal quoting Operation Northwall. Dashcam and CCTV footage can also be uploaded there.
If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.