Urfan Sharif, serving a 40-year sentence for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif, has been attacked in his cell at HMP Belmarsh, South London. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day, just weeks after Sharif began his prison term.
Two inmates reportedly entered Sharif’s cell and attacked him with a makeshift weapon crafted from the lid of a tuna can. Sharif suffered severe injuries, including deep slashes to his neck and face, and is currently in critical condition under medical care.
The attack comes after Sharif’s conviction for a campaign of abuse that led to the death of his daughter in August 2023. Sara was found in the family’s home in Woking, Surrey, with at least 71 external injuries, including burns, bites, and fractures. A post-mortem examination revealed a pattern of prolonged physical abuse.
A source stated that the assault was premeditated, with the attackers deliberately targeting Sharif due to the nature of his crimes. “He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way. He was lucky to survive and has had to have stitches.”
The source also revealed that prison staff had taken precautions to ensure Sharif’s safety but that the high-profile nature of his case and the heinousness of his crime made him a target among other inmates.
Police have opened an investigation into the attack, and initial reports suggest the two attackers were motivated by Sharif’s abuse of his daughter.
Sara’s death had drawn significant media and public attention. Her body was discovered hooded and beaten in her home, with evidence of severe physical abuse inflicted over an extended period. The case revealed systemic failures in safeguarding procedures and led to Sharif’s arrest and conviction.
Authorities recovered a handwritten note left by Sharif at the crime scene, in which he admitted to beating his daughter. Sharif and his co-accused fled to Pakistan after Sara’s death, prompting an international manhunt before their eventual extradition and trial.
The inmates responsible for the attack reportedly expressed disgust at Sharif’s crime, with one source stating, “Word quickly got around about who he was. Inmates were not happy he is in there with them, and although many are in for heinous crimes, there is a particular disdain for people who harm children.”
Sharif remains in healthcare within the prison under close observation following the attack. Police investigations are ongoing to identify and charge those involved in the incident.