PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian man was arrested for allegedly attacking a couple who were walking hand-in-hand and kissing near an Islamic centre in Rome's Esquilino quarter, reported an Italian news portal.

Update: Man who slapped kissing couple in Rome was not Malaysian

According to the Ansa news agency, the 24-year-old man admonished the couple for the public display of affection on Sunday night.

He then pushed the young woman and kicked her male partner.

It was reported that the unnamed assailant allegedly attacked police who came to the scene.