Officers discovered 20-month-old Sarah Dahane’s body at a house in Herald Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire, after they received a fear for welfare call at around 10am on Thursday.
Police have launched an international search for Sarah’s mother who is believed to have fled to Kenya.
Sarah’s devastated dad, Nabil Dahane, today paid tribute to his “uniquely beautiful Sarah”.
“To my uniquely beautiful Sarah: You have meant the world to me,” Dahane said.
“The time spent with you, though has been cut very short, was an absolute joy and the sweet memories we made together will stay with me for as long as I live.
“May you rest in peace babe and I will surely see you in heaven.
“Inchallah I love you lots, lots and lots xxx Your beloved daddy xxx”
Sarah’s death is being treated as unexplained by police.
Senior Investigating Officer, Deputy Chief Inspector Ian Hunter said: “Whilst the circumstances of Sarah’s death remain unexplained, we are carrying out a detailed and thorough investigation to establish exactly how and why she died.
“We are supporting Sarah’s father, who is separated from her mother, with dedicated family liaison officers.
“From information available to us at this time, it would appear Sarah’s mother has left the UK at some stage during Wednesday (15/5) evening.
“She is believed to have travelled to Kenya. Her exact whereabouts are unknown and we are working with other authorities to establish her exact location.
“While we are working with those individuals and authorities that were in contact with both Sarah and her mother prior to her death, we urgently wish to speak to Sarah’s mother to better understand exactly what has happened. We strongly urge her to present herself to the authorities.”
