'Sara Sharif was tortured by her family but local council must answer questions'

Sara Sharif was beaten and tortured by her family but for her sake it must never happen again, as it did to Logan Mwangi, Star Hobson, Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and others

It is difficult to comprehend the cruelty inflicted on Sara Sharif.

She was beaten, burned and tortured by the very people who were supposed to care for her. The ultimate responsibility for this act of evil will always rest with her father and stepmother.

But the authorities face serious questions as to why they did not do more to protect Sara. The local council, social services and police were aware of concerns about her family but failed to rescue her from a living hell.

It’s a depressingly familiar story.

Sara joins Logan Mwangi, Star Hobson, Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and dozens of other children killed by their parents or step-parents. In all these cases warning signs were missed, concerns raised by relatives were ignored and the agencies failed to share vital information.

And after all these cases the same words were uttered: “Never again.”

For Sara’s sake it must be never again. Lessons must be learned and changes made. Never again should an innocent young child die in such inhumane, horrific circumstances.

Sportswashed

The custodians of the beautiful game have struck a dirty deal by awarding the 2034 men’s World Cup to Saudi Arabia.

The country should have been barred from bidding for the honour on the grounds of its appalling human rights record. This is a country which muzzles the media, bans protests, authorises mass executions and treats women as second class citizens.

Instead of taking a stand, Fifa fast-tracked the bidding process, turning what should have been an open contest into a coronation. It has colluded in the worst form of sportswashing – using football to divert attention from the Saudi regime’s tyrannical practices.

Roads to ruin

Drivers are being warned the roads could be busier than ever this Christmas.

Anyone travelling should make sure they leave in good time. You wouldn’t want to be late for the traditional family argument.