Coronavirus: Teens arrested over 'racially aggravated' attack
- Published
Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attacking a student who was told: "We don't want your coronavirus in our country."
Jonathan Mok, 23, was attacked as he walked down Oxford Street at about 21:15 GMT on 24 February when a group of four males began shouting.
Mr Mok, from Singapore, said the group beat him up when he confronted them.
Both boys, aged 16 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault.
The 16-year-old has been released under investigation. The 15-year-old has been released on bail until later this month.
University College London student Mr Mok said he was attacked close to Tottenham Court Road.
Describing the attack, Mr Mok said the man who kicked him "was really angry".
"He shouted 'I don't want your coronavirus in my country'," Mr Mok told the BBC.
A second male threw a punch, causing Mr Mok's nose to bleed badly.
Mr Mok told the BBC he may need an operation on a broken bone near his right eye.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
LIVE UPDATES: UK unveils coronavirus action plan
HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK: How prepared are we?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? A simple guide
WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT: How to wash your hands
HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE: What you need to know
WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE? Progress so far
A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK: Virus maps and charts
WHAT'S THE IMPACT ON ECONOMY? Carney warns of 'large' shock
For more London news follow on Facebook, external, on Twitter, external, on Instagram, external and subscribe to our YouTube, external channel.
- Published3 March 2020