A Muslim schoolboy in London was left in shock after he was physically stopped by a teacher from praying.

Thaher Tarawneh, 12, said he and his friends began to pray outside at the newly opened Ark Soane Academy in Ealing.

However shortly after starting, a member of staff interrupted them and aggressively told them all "to stop at once", adding that it was not a religious school.

As the other students fled the playground, Thaher continued to pray, in line with his religion.

At this point the member of staff allegedly grabbed him by the waist and removed his blazer, which he was using as a prayer mat.

Thaher was then sent home for the afternoon and says he was forced to sign a statement that he argues did not reflect what took place.

His dad Muhammed Tarawneh told MyLondon: "We were called by the teacher in question later that day and she explained that she was a Muslim and that Thaher shouldn't be praying there.

"We try to educate our children to have certain beliefs and it should not be up to any member of staff to try to challenge them.

"It is my understanding that the other children ran away because they were terrified of this staff member shouting.

"Thaher knows to not stop his prayer unless there is something urgent.

"So for this member of staff to interrupt that and then proceed to manhandle my son, it's not acceptable."

The family is now considering removing their son from the school because they cannot believe he is "being discriminated against because of his religion".

Thaher's parents asked to see CCTV footage from the incident but when they arrived at the school, their request was denied.

Elizabeth Znider, a family friend, claims the headteacher treated his lunchtime prayer as an "act of defiance" and he could be facing expulsion.

She said: "It just makes no sense because they have a prayer room, three quarters of the schools pupils are Muslim and it is a legal requirement to be able to practice your religion freely".

The school principal has since confirmed that the incident is under investigation and all available evidence was being reviewed.