What we know as Urfan Sharif reportedly attacked in prison
Sara Sharif's father was reportedly attacked by two inmates at HMP Belmarsh, where he is serving a life sentence.
The father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif has reportedly been attacked in prison.
Urfan Sharif was allegedly ambushed by two inmates in a cell at HMP Belmarsh on New Year’s Day, the Sun reported.
It is understood Sharif, who is just weeks into a life sentence for Sara Sharif's murder, did not need to be taken to hospital.
What we know
According to The Sun report, Sharif was ambushed by two fellow inmates in his cell, where his throat was slashed with a makeshift weapon.
The newspaper reported that the 43-year-old suffered cuts to his neck and face and received medical treatment inside the prison.
A Prison Service spokesperson 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.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an allegation that a prisoner was assaulted at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. The victim, a 43-year-old man, suffered non-life threatening injuries.”
What we don't know
Authorities have not confirmed any details of the alleged attack. According to The Sun report, two inmates slashed his throat with a makeshift weapon made using a tin lid.
Neither the police nor prison authorities have commented on the nature of the injuries, though he is not thought to have needed to go to prison hospital, despite needing medical treatment,
The motivation for the attack has also not been confirmed, though the assumption by many is that fellow inmates are keen to seek retribution for the violence Sharif meted out to his daughter.
Where is Urfan Sharif in prison?
Sharif is currently serving his sentence in the Category A HMP Belmarsh - one of the most high security institutions in the UK's prisons estate.
Category A prisons are reserved for male prisoners who, if they were to escape, would pose the greatest threat to the public, the police or wider national security.
This includes people convicted of the most serious crimes, such as murder, rape, armed robbery, drug smuggling or terrorism.
Belmarsh currently houses several murders and terrorists including Ali Harbi Ali, who killed MP David Amess, as well as Danyal Hussein, who murdered two sisters in a London park.
What was Urfan Sharif convicted of?
Sharif and Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, were jailed for life in December for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse that culminated in the 10-year-old’s murder.
The court heard that she suffered “unimaginable pain, misery and anxiety” as she was repeatedly beaten, burned, bitten and restrained at the family home in Woking, Surrey.
Police found her body in her bunk bed at the family home in Woking, Surrey, in August 2023.
Sharif was handed a minimum term of 40 years and Batool was given 33 years.
Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, was jailed for 16 years.
