In a dramatic incident outside the Turkish Consulate in central London, a man was filmed allegedly setting fire to the Quran, prompting a violent response from a bystander.
The assailant, who was equipped with a knife, attacked the man as he held a large, flaming book.
The altercation, captured in online videos, escalated when the attacker knocked the man to the ground on Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, and proceeded to kick and spit at him while attempting to seize the burning object.
Subsequent footage shows the assailant slashing at the victim, who was sprawled near the consulate’s barriers.
The incident, which took place on Thursday afternoon, was reportedly pre-announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the man who claimed responsibility for the Quran burning.
He stated online that he was assaulted with a knife during the act, leading to police and ambulance services being called to the scene.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they arrested a man following the assault, which occurred shortly after 2 pm.
The victim was hospitalized with finger injuries but sustained no stab wounds.
The arrested individual is being held on charges of possessing an offensive weapon and causing grievous bodily harm, with investigations continuing.
