A British citizen in Beijing is being investigated over allegations that he assaulted a Chinese woman. Videos claiming to show the assault in downtown Beijing have gone viral on the Internet.

The incident happened in Xuanwumen area on May 8. In the video posted on the internet, the British man was seen attempting to sexually assault a local woman who was lying on a bench by the road. The woman cried for help and the man was interrupted by passers-by who come to her rescue.

The man is in China on a tourist visa. Police said the man was "drunk ", and he has been detained and is under investigation according to the law. The video of the incident has been viewed by several millions of Chinese internet users and has prompted calls for justice to be served.

A British tourist has been arrested for sexually assaulting a woman in Beijing.

British mainstream media have also reported this incident and many UK citizens have condemned this man and his disgraceful behavior.

"This British guy's behavior should be punishable in any modern country ruled by law."

"Absolutely disgusting behavior -- Hope they bang him up in some cockroach infested prison."

"It serves him right. Wherever he is in the world this would have been disgusting."

(CNTV May 15, 2012)