Father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif 'attacked in prison'

Reports have emerged that the father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif was attacked in prison. Urfan Sharif was allegedly set upon by two inmates with a makeshift weapon at HMP Belmarsh on New Year's Day, according to The Sun.

A Prison Service spokesperson commented: "Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate."

The Sun has reported that Sharif, aged 43, sustained cuts to his neck and received medical treatment inside the prison. It's understood Sharif did not need hospital treatment.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are looking into "an allegation that a prisoner was assaulted at Belmarsh" and noted that the injuries were not life-threatening.

Sharif and Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, received life sentences in December after being convicted of subjecting the 10 year old to years of "torture" and "despicable" abuse, which ultimately led to her death. During the trial, it was revealed that Sara endured severe physical abuse at their home in Woking, Surrey.

Sharif must serve at least 40 years, while Batool was sentenced to 33 years. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, who was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, was imprisoned for 16 years.

During a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh stated that Sara’s death "was the culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults and what can only be described as torture", primarily at the hands of Sharif. The senior judge highlighted her "despicable treatment" occurred in "plain sight and in front of the rest of the family".

He addressed Sharif directly: "You treated her in such a way because you considered it your right to impose harsh