Urfan Sharif, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif who was convicted of her murder, was assaulted in prison shortly after beginning his life sentence. The attack occurred on January 1, 2025, at HMP Belmarsh, a high-security prison in southeast London.
According to reports, two inmates entered Sharif’s cell and attacked him with a makeshift weapon fashioned from the lid of a tuna can. He sustained cuts to his face and neck, which required medical treatment within the prison. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Sharif, 43, was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison in December 2024 for the murder of his daughter, Sara. The court heard that Sara had been subjected to prolonged abuse, including beatings, burns, and other forms of torture, leading up to her death in August 2023. Her stepmother, Beinash Batool, was also convicted and sentenced to a minimum of 33 years in prison.
Following the attack, Sharif was transferred to HMP Frankland, a Category A prison in County Durham known for housing some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders. Reports indicate that he is now under the protection of a Muslim gang within the prison, which has threatened retaliation against anyone who harms him.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the assault at Belmarsh Prison. A spokesperson stated: “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.”
The case of Sara Sharif has drawn significant public attention, highlighting failures in the child protection system. Despite multiple reports of abuse, authorities did not intervene effectively, ultimately leading to Sara’s tragic death.