Man burning Quran outside Turkish Consulate in London attacked

A man filmed allegedly burning the Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in central London was attacked by a passer-by armed with a knife is has been reported.

In dramatic scenes, one suspect with a rucksack and hood up is seen holding a large book which is ablaze.

Footage posted online cuts to him lying on the road, where he is being kicked and spat at by another man who snatched the burning item off him.

The second suspect appears to pull out a knife and slash his victim while he was sprawled on the ground near the building’s barriers in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge on Thursday afternoon.

A man on X, formerly Twitter, claimed he was responsible for the stunt which was publicised in advance.

He alleged: “While I was burning the Quran, I was attacked with a knife.

“The ambulance and the police came.”

The user also reposted several videos of the incident.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A man has been arrested following an assault in Knightsbridge.

“Police were called at 2.11pm on Thursday, February 13 to Rutland Gardens following reports of a man being assaulted.

“The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to his finger. He did not receive any stab wounds.

“Officers attended within minutes and arrested a man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and grievous bodily harm.

“He remains in custody and enquiries remain ongoing.”