'It occurred to me quite clearly I was dying..."

SIR Salman Rushdie has described to a court the terrifying moments a masked knifeman attacked him, saying he was sure he was about to die.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

Sir Salman, 77, said at the attempted murder and assault trial of Hadi Matar: "I only saw him at the last minute.

"I was aware of someone wearing black clothes, or dark clothes and a black face mask. I was very struck by his eyes, which were dark and seemed very ferocious."

Sir Salman said he first thought he was being punched.

He added: "But I saw a large quantity of blood pouring on to my clothes.