Knifeman stabs prayer leader in neck at London mosque

LONDON

Police rushed to a London mosque on Thursday after a knifeman stabbed a Muslim prayer leader in the neck while performing the call to prayer.

The attack took place in Regent’s Park Mosque, and the attacker subsequently was arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder.

Video on social media showed a white man in a red jumper was pressed against the mosque floor by police who were arresting him.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Police were called to a mosque in Park Road, NW8, at 15.10 on Thursday, 20 February, to reports of a stabbing."

"A man, in his 70s, was found injured. His condition has been assessed as non life-threatening," police said in a later statement.

"Enquiries into the circumstances continue," police also said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the event as “awful”.

“I'm deeply saddened to hear of the attack at the London Central Mosque,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

He said: “It's so awful that this should happen, especially in a place of worship. My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected.”