Father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif 'attacked in prison'

Police are investigating reports that the father of Sara Sharif has been attacked in prison.

Urfan Sharif was allegedly ambushed by two inmates in a cell at HMP Belmarsh armed with the jagged lid of a tuna tin on New Year’s Day, according to the Sun.

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.”

Reports say Sharif suffered cuts to his neck and face which he was treated for inside the prison.

It is understood he did not go to hospital.

Sharif was just weeks his minimum 40 year sentence for killing his daughter alongside stepmother Beinash Batool, who was sentenced to a minimum term of 33 years.

Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, was jailed for 16 years.

At their sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh said Sara’s death “was the culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults and what can only be described as torture”, mainly at the hands of Sharif.

The senior judge said her “despicable treatment” took place in “plain sight and in front of the rest of the family”.

He told Sharif: “You treated her in such a way because you considered it your right to impose harsh discipline on her.

“Sara was a brave, feisty and spirited child. She was not submissive as you wanted her to be. She stood up to you.

“I have no doubt that your ego and sense of self importance was boosted by the power you wielded over her and the rest of the family.”