Kirsty Gallacher has been flooded with well wishes from famous friends after a stranger attacked her in central London.
The former Sky Sports News presenter said a man dressed “all in black, covered up” walked towards her before physically assaulting her in the street.
The unprovoked attack happened at around 7pm on Tuesday as she walked to her car on her way home, with the streets lit and other people nearby.
Ms Gallacher, who currently presents Global’s Gold Radio Drive, appeared tearful in an Instagram video posted on Wednesday evening, saying she was attacked during the walk she takes “most nights”.
“I was walking on the pavement and I noticed this guy all in black covered up, just walking at me, and I’m always vigilant, and he was just walking towards me, and I thought ‘this is not right,’ so I moved out of the way,” she said.
“Then he brushed past me, he turned around and he kicked me – like he was kicking a football – he kicked me in the middle of a street at about seven o’clock last night in front of people. I turned around and he scarpered.”
Famous friends were quick to offer support, with Celebrity Traitors star Kate Garraway replying: “This is awful – am so sorry – very brave in sharing such an important message but hope YOU are okay?”
Politics latest: Reeves told she has to go after breaking housing law – but PM defies calls to sack her
Badenoch says hacking into Harriet Harman’s website 17 years ago ‘not the same’ as Reeves breaking law
This mum faces a nightly battle to keep her daughter alive – but the NHS won’t help her
ITV’s This Morning co-presenter Ben Shephard wrote: “Kirsty, so, so sorry to hear this. Sending tons of love and support.”
Former super-middleweight world champion boxer Carl Froch said: “Disgraceful! Wish I was there, he can’t run when he’s been rendered unconscious.”
Read more from Sky News:
Uxbridge triple stabbing suspect charged with murder
Group considering private prosecution against Prince Andrew
TV presenter Lisa Snowdon said: “Oh, Kirsty. I’m so angry and so utterly devastated that this happened to you. It’s horrific. I’m sending you a huge hug, my love.”
Radio and TV presenter Jenni Falconer said: “Kirsty, this is awful. I’m so sorry you experienced this. And not okay. Big love to you.”
‘Still shocked’
Ms Gallacher said she is always “very vigilant” when out, taking precautions such as wearing a cross-body bag and keeping her hands free. She said she “couldn’t have done more to protect herself”.
“I’m still shocked now, and I have the bruises to prove it, I’m afraid,” she said.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
A group of girls helped Ms Gallacher, but a nearby security guard “did nothing,” she added.
“I just stood there and I just couldn’t actually believe that someone, a stranger, has just decided, for whatever reason – whether he’s got a problem with women, whether he’s just an opportunist – he decided he did not like me and he just thought ‘nah, I’ll give you the boot’.
“You always think it’s not going to happen to me, and that was me.”
