New York police are investigating a stabbing attack on author, Salman Rushdie.

A man reportedly rushed onto the stage as Rushdie was being introduced at an event.

Police say that Rushdie had sustained a stab wound to the neck and was transported by helicopter to hospital.

Multiple witnesses say that the attacker was able to reach Rushdie easily and approaching him from behind.

Rushdie is the author of the book, “The Satanic Verses”, a novel deemed blasphemous to the Islamic faith.

Its release in 1988 sparked outrage across the world.

Following the publication of the book, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, issued a fatwa (religious decree) calling for Rushdie’s death.