A man who is believed to have “burned the Koran outside the Turkish embassy in London” has been charged after he was attacked by a knifeman.
Two men have been charged after footage of the incident circulated online showing the conflict outside the building in Knightsbridge unfolding on Thursday.
Hamit Coskun, 50, was charged with a religiously aggravated public order offence after he allegedly burned the Koran outside the consulate.
After being remanded in custody, he pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier today.
Hamit Coskun pleaded not guilty when appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier today
PA
Moussa Kadri, 59, of Kensington and Chelsea, was charged yesterday with causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.
He received bail and will appear at the same court on March 17.
Footage from the incident showed a hooded man wearing a rucksack and holding a book that has been set alight, appearing to be standing outside the Turkish Consulate.
Another video shows a man lying on the floor while being violently kicked by another man.
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The second man then seems to produce a weapon and attacks the man on the road.
Deliveroo has now launched an urgent investigation into the incident after the footage of the alleged attack involved a man wearing the company’s uniform.
After the clash, police descended on the scene after they received reports of an assault during the early afternoon on Thursday.
The man who had been attacked was taken to hospital to receive treatment for his sustained injuries on his fingers.
The officers confirmed that the man did not receive stab wounds.
Footage shows a hooded man wearing a rucksack holding a book that has been set alightXA statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 14.11hrs on Thursday, 13 February 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.”
The force has said that it does not believe that the incident took place outside the embassy.