Warning: This article discusses child abuse and may be distressing for some readers.
Urfan Sharif, the father convicted of murdering his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif, has reportedly been attacked in prison shortly after receiving his life sentence.
In December, Urfan was found guilty of the brutal murder of his daughter, Sara, in August 2023, at their home in Surrey, UK. Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, was also sentenced to life for her involvement in the child’s death. Following the murder, Urfan and his wife fled to Pakistan, only to be apprehended and brought back to the UK for trial.
On December 17, 2024, the pair received life sentences, and Urfan began serving his sentence at HMP Belmarsh, a high-security prison in London. However, less than a month later, on New Year’s Day, he was reportedly attacked by two inmates while in custody. The assault allegedly involved a jagged tuna can lid, which caused cuts to Urfan’s neck and face. He received medical attention inside the prison but was not reportedly taken to the hospital.
A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the assault is underway, stating that police are looking into the matter. The Metropolitan Police added that Urfan, 43, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the attack.
Sara Sharif’s tragic death was marked by extreme abuse. The court heard that she had suffered severe neglect and repeated assaults, including burns, bites, and physical restraint, primarily at the hands of her father. The judge described the abuse as “torture,” which had been inflicted in plain view of the family. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her death and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
At the time of Sara’s death, Urfan told the police that he had “legally punished” his daughter. Sara’s body showed clear signs of trauma, including broken bones, bruising, burns, and probable bite marks.
