Urfan Sharif, the father convicted for the brutal murder of his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif, was reportedly attacked in his prison cell on New Year’s Day. The attack took place at the high-security HMP Belmarsh in London, where Sharif is serving a life sentence for the torture and death of his young daughter.
According to reports in The Sun, Sharif, 43, was ambushed by two other inmates who had fashioned a makeshift weapon from the jagged lid of a tuna tin. The inmates allegedly rushed into his cell, where they attacked him, slicing his neck and face with the improvised weapon. Sources say the assault was premeditated and that Sharif was left with severe injuries.
An insider claimed: “Urfan was sliced up badly in his cell by two others who rushed in. It was planned and they used a makeshift weapon — made from the lid of a tin of tuna. He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way.”
Despite the severity of the attack, it is understood that Sharif did not require hospitalisation but was treated within the prison’s healthcare unit. The report also mentioned that the guards did their best to protect Sharif due to the high-profile nature of his conviction, with many prisoners reportedly viewing him as a target because of the shocking details surrounding his daughter’s death.
Sharif is said to have been fortunate to survive the attack, having received stitches for his injuries, and it is believed that the scars will remain as a permanent reminder of the brutal assault.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that an investigation is underway. A spokesperson for the Prison Service said: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.”
The Metropolitan Police also issued a statement confirming the assault, adding that the 43-year-old had sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Sharif and his wife, Beinash Batool, were convicted in December for the murder of their daughter, Sara, following years of horrific abuse. The court heard how Sara endured unimaginable suffering, including being beaten, burned, bitten, and restrained by her father and stepmother in their family home in Woking, Surrey.
Sara’s death was the culmination of years of what prosecutors described as “torture” and “despicable” abuse. The young girl’s tragic death captured the attention of the public, and the details of her suffering were outlined during the court proceedings.
Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison, while Batool received a 33-year sentence. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, who was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
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During the televised sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh condemned the treatment of Sara, describing it as “the culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults, and what can only be described as torture”. He specifically highlighted Sharif’s role in the abuse, saying he had treated his daughter in a cruel and callous manner because he believed it was his right to impose harsh discipline.
The judge continued: “Sara was a brave, feisty, and spirited child. She was not submissive as you wanted her to be. She stood up to you. I have no doubt that your ego and sense of self-importance was boosted by the power you wielded over her and the rest of the family.”
The brutal treatment of Sara Sharif has left the nation shocked, and the prison attack on her father, Urfan Sharif, is just the latest chapter in a case that continues to spark anger and disbelief across the UK. As authorities continue to investigate the assault on Sharif, many will be reflecting on the appalling tragedy that led to his imprisonment and the disturbing circumstances that continue to unfold.
