London: A Malaysian student attacked during London's riots offered an account of his assault Thursday, saying he was shocked as he watched the videotape of thugs rifling through his belongings while he bled on a sidewalk.
Mohammad Asyraf Haziq Rossli gave a halting news conference, telling reporters he was stunned that some of his attackers "were children."
"I was shocked because I never expected someone was going to record the video," he said.
The video that chronicled the attack on Monday has become synonymous with London's riots. It has gone viral - a chilling example of the unrest that raged for four days.
"I don't believe it myself," said the 20-year-old accounting student. Rossli said that it took some time to process the news, saying that when he looked at the video he kept saying, "Is that really me?"
A group of about 20 teens and preteens surrounded Rossli, grabbed his bike, took his cell phone - and broke his jaw.
Some youths are videotaped pretending to come to his aid - even as they unzip his backpack and emptied its contents.
The sight of youths stealing from a bleeding man has caused shock - even leading Prime Minister David Cameron to describe it as a sign of a deeper societal malaise in Britain.
Metropolitan Police said they have arrested a man on suspicion of robbery in connection with the incident. The force said the suspect, who was not identified since he has not been charged, is believed to be in his 20s and is currently in police custody.
Rossli was helped by a local woman who brought him into her home. Using Facebook, she was able to help him contact a friend and assist him until he could get to a hospital.
He plans to stay in Britain, and would like his mom to visit.
She's been worried.
Mohammad Asyraf Haziq Rossli gave a halting news conference, telling reporters he was stunned that some of his attackers "were children."
"I was shocked because I never expected someone was going to record the video," he said.
"I don't believe it myself," said the 20-year-old accounting student. Rossli said that it took some time to process the news, saying that when he looked at the video he kept saying, "Is that really me?"
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Some youths are videotaped pretending to come to his aid - even as they unzip his backpack and emptied its contents.
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Metropolitan Police said they have arrested a man on suspicion of robbery in connection with the incident. The force said the suspect, who was not identified since he has not been charged, is believed to be in his 20s and is currently in police custody.
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He plans to stay in Britain, and would like his mom to visit.
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