Knifeman stabs prayer leader in neck at London mosque

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) - 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.

A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, according to the police.

The crime scene has been put in place.

"Enquiries into the circumstances continue," the statement noted.