Police are currently investigating the alarming circumstances surrounding the assault of Urfan Sharif, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was reportedly attacked by two fellow inmates at HMP Belmarsh. This incident occurred on New Year’s Day, just weeks after Sharif was sentenced to life imprisonment for the horrific murder of his daughter.
According to reports from the Sun, two inmates ambushed Sharif, slicing him with makeshift weapons made from the lid of a tin of tuna. The attack has left Urfan with severe injuries to his neck and face, and he remains under medical care within the prison system. Allegedly, this coordinated attack was motivated by the outrage fellow inmates felt over Sharif's tragic abuse and murder of his daughter.
Urfan Sharif, 43, alongside his wife, Beinash Batool, was convicted at the Old Bailey for the murder of Sara, who endured extensive torment prior to her death on August 8, 2023. During the trial, it was revealed Sara suffered unimaginable pain, having been subjected to continuous abuse over two years, which culminated with her body being discovered with multiple injuries at their family home in Woking, Surrey.
Reflecting on the assault, one insider characterized the attack as “planned,” and noted, “He was sliced up badly in his cell by two others who rushed in.” Another source added, “He was lucky to survive, has had to have stitches and will have scars as a permanent reminder of the attack.” The incident sheds light on the hostile environment within prisons, especially for offenders associated with heinous crimes against children.
The attack was reportedly swift and shocking. Sharif, who had tried to keep his head down since entering HMP Belmarsh, became the target of other inmates who were outraged by his actions against his child. An additional source commented on this sentiment, noting, “Although the other prisoners are incarcerated for heinous crimes, many do not accept those who harm children.”
Following the incident, the Prison Service issued a statement confirming police involvement: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1. It would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of this case as the investigation is still active.” A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police stated, “The 43-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries.”
Despite the severity of Sharif's injuries, his initial sentence mandated he would face at least 40 years behind bars, highlighting the long-term repercussions of his criminal actions. During the trial, it was clearly established how severely Sara was treated, with the prosecutor Libby Clark indicating, “Sara was cruelly abused and murdered by those closest to her.” The brutality of her murder and the nature of her last days have garnered significant media attention and public outrage.
Sharif’s case did not reach this tragic conclusion without considerable distress. The family, shortly before Sara's death, fled to Pakistan, hoping to evade the authorities, which led to an international manhunt. They returned to the UK only four weeks later, leading to their prompt arrest.
HMP Belmarsh, where Sharif was imprisoned, is known as one of the UK’s most secure facilities, housing some notorious inmates, including high-profile criminals linked to extreme violence. This environment magnifies the safety concerns for inmates like Sharif, whose criminal record places him at high risk of retribution from other prisoners.
Critics of the justice system have raised concerns about how such cases of parental abuse lead to severe consequences for children. Urfan Sharif's fate following the attack is uncertain; he remains hospitalized for his injuries—an uncomfortable reminder of the violent backlash against his actions.
While the investigation continues, the public attention remains fixated on both the brutality of Sara's murder and the controversy surrounding Urfan’s treatment within the prison system. Nevertheless, the incident at HMP Belmarsh serves as a grim reflection of the complex issues surrounding justice, punishment, and the rights of inmates, regardless of their past crimes.