Police have released an update on the immigration status of a man accused of murdering a two-year-old girl in Surrey.
Kevin Kerjean, who is also charged with the rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13, is a French national originally from the Central African Republic, according to police.
Surrey Police confirmed that Kerjean entered the UK legally and had permission to stay in the country.
The force said he arrived in the UK lawfully and applied for EU Settled Status in December 2020.
He was granted leave to remain in March 2021, and later received an extension allowing him to stay until March 2031.
Police also dismissed online claims that the alleged offences took place in an asylum seeker HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), saying: “This is incorrect.”
They added: “It is currently understood those involved were known to each other, and officers believe the incident happened within a family setting.”
The 31-year-old appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.
Officers were called to an address on Pyrcroft Road in Chertsey shortly before 6pm on Thursday after reports of concern for safety.
When they arrived, they found the two-year-old girl dead inside the property.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family and all those who knew her,” Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said.
“Our teams are working to establish exactly what happened and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days.
“We understand this will be distressing for residents and thank them for their cooperation during the investigation.”
Surrey Police said by Sunday afternoon they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the case.
In 2021, the Home Office granted Settled Status to 694,186 applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Between August 2018 and March 2026, more than four million EU nationals were granted Settled Status, including over 169,000 from France.
