Full Breakdown
Man Charged with Murder of Two-Year-Old Girl in Chertsey, Surrey
6/28/2026, 1:03:58 AM
Incident Overview
On Thursday at approximately 17:40 BST, Surrey Police were dispatched to a flat at Syward Place, the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road in Chertsey, after a safety concern was reported. Officers discovered the body of a two-year-old girl inside the property. Thirty-one-year-old Kevin Kerjean, a French national born in the Central African Republic, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder, rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13. The force’s major crime team is leading an investigation that remains ongoing, and police have stated they are not seeking any additional suspects.
Key Figures and Entities
- Kevin Kerjean – 31-year-old suspect, French national, born in the Central African Republic.
- Surrey Police – Lead law-enforcement agency, operating a major crime team on the case.
- Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen – Senior officer providing public updates.
- Guildford Magistrates’ Court – Venue of Kerjean’s initial appearance on Saturday.
- Guildford Crown Court – Scheduled venue for Kerjean’s next hearing on Monday.
Timeline of Developments
- Thursday, 17:40 BST – Police called to Pyrcroft Road; body of a two-year-old girl found.
- Thursday (later) – Kevin Kerjean charged with murder, rape and sexual assault; police confirm a “family setting” as the likely context.
- Saturday – Kerjean appears at Guildford Magistrates’ Court and is remanded. Surrey Police correct the victim’s age from three to two years.
- Friday – Residents leave bouquets of flowers at Syward Place.
- Monday – Kerjean scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court.
Official Statements & Police Response
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen described the case as “a tragic incident” and expressed sympathy for the child’s family and acquaintances. He indicated that police teams are “working hard to build a picture of what happened” and that a “significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days.” Groenen also thanked local residents for their cooperation while acknowledging that the ongoing police activity may be unsettling for the neighbourhood. The force reiterated that, at present, no further individuals are being sought in connection with the incident.
Community Reaction
Residents of Syward Place placed several bouquets at the building’s entrance on Friday. One note read, “I’m surprised, that’s very unusual for Chertsey,” while another stated, “It’s tragic. Things like that don’t happen around here.” The gestures reflect local shock and a desire to honour the child’s memory.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial police communications described the victim as three years old. On Saturday, Surrey Police amended the age to two years, creating a discrepancy in early reporting. No further details about the circumstances of the death have been released, and the investigation has not identified additional suspects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child's family, as well as all those who knew her.” — Jon Groenen, Detective Chief Superintendent, Surrey Police
- “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.” — Jon Groenen, Detective Chief Superintendent, Surrey Police
- “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.” — Jon Groenen, Detective Chief Superintendent, Surrey Police
- “I’m surprised, that’s very unusual for Chertsey” — Resident, Syward Place
- “It’s tragic. Things like that don’t happen around here.” — Resident, Syward Place
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The charges against Kerjean underscore the seriousness of the case and have prompted a heightened police presence in the Chertsey neighbourhood. Surrey Police’s emphasis on building a comprehensive picture of events suggests a focus on forensic and interview evidence. The community’s response, marked by public displays of mourning, highlights the broader social impact of such a rare violent crime in the area. The investigation remains active, with further court proceedings scheduled for Monday at Guildford Crown Court.
