Salman Rushdie: Author stabbed at event in New York state

The author Salman Rushdie is being treated in hospital after he was stabbed on stage at an event in upstate New York.

The 75-year-old writer had been subjected to death threats by Iran in the 1980s – when Ayatollah Khomeini declared his works to be blasphemous.

New York’s governor said a state police officer intervened – saving Sir Salman’s life – as well as the event’s moderator who was also injured.

The attack took place at an event at the Chautauqua Institution in the west of New York state.

Warning: This report contains distressing scenes.