French man charged with rape and murder of girl, 2, in Chertsey

A French national granted leave to remain in the UK has been charged with the rape and murder of a two-year-old girl.

Police were called to her home in a block of flats in Chertsey at around 5.40pm on Thursday following concerns for her safety.

They found her body and a 31-year-old man with serious injuries. He was arrested before being taken to hospital and will be taken into custody following treatment.

Kevin Kerjean, 31, was also charged with rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.

The French national, born in the Central African Republic, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.

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.

A Surrey police spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of commentary online detailing that the incidents of Thursday took place in an asylum seeker HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation). This is incorrect.

‘At this time, it is understood that those involved were known to each other and officers believe it took place within a family setting.’

A bouquets of flowers were left at the entrance to Syward Place, a flat complex on the corner of Pycroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.

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.’