“It's strange world.” Spiderman reflected, probably stalling for time, before getting on with his response.

“I find it highly ironic that earlier in the week the British Government tried to pass a religious hate bill that would have outlawed material like it. That bill was defeated so I guess it shows you what Europeans really think.”

“The thing is – the European Press does seem to have a point, freedom of speech is essential to a forward thinking country. We can't tell them to stop publishing something just because we don't agree with it.

“However, that alone does not justify publishing the cartoon: I live my life by a code – with great power comes great responsibility. Freedom of speech is not just a right, in terms of the media it is a great power. Yes, you can write whatever you want to, but you must take care to be responsible when you do.”

Before I could probe him further, police and fire sirens broke out in the streets below and he vanished into the evening skyline before I could thank him for turning up.