Kirsty Gallacher has revealed she was 'kicked like a football' in a vile, unprovoked attack in London. The incident happened when Gallacher, previously a Sky Sports News presenter, was walking to her car.

"Last night I was physically assaulted in the streets of central London walking from work to my car, the walk I do most nights," the 49-year-old said on social media. "The streets are well lit. There were people around.

"I was walking on the pavement, and I noticed this guy, all in black, covered up, actually, just walking at me. And I'm always vigilant. And he was just walking towards me, and so I moved out of the way, and 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, and I turned around and he scarpered.

"I'm still shocked now, and I have the bruises to prove I'm afraid. I can't quite believe what happened. I was not being provocative in any way. I was just going about my business as you do. I was just walking to my car to go back home to my family."

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"I luckily had some witnesses, some lovely girls saw it and came to my aid," Gallacher added. "There was a security guard on a door nearby who was absolutely useless and didn't do anything, which was hugely disappointing, and I just there, and I couldn't actually believe that someone, a stranger, has just decided, for whatever reason, whether he's a got a problem with women, whether he's just an opportunist.

"He decided he did not like me, and he just thought, Now, give you the boot. And that is not okay. It's not okay, it's not okay."

Gallacher began her broadcasting career with Sky Sports in the late 90s and returned as a Sky Sports News host in 2011. That second stint lasted for seven years before she departed in 2018.

The presenter, whose father Bernard was a professional golfer, has also presented programmes with other broadcasters including ITV and Channel 4. She hosted a Gladiators revival in 2008 and was more recently on GB News.

She has also dipped her toe into the world of radio broadcasting on plenty of occasions. She currently presents a drive time show on Gold Radio, which airs on weekdays between 4pm=7pm.

A number of messages of support have followed since Gallacher shared her story. "So sorry this happened to you. It’s very frightening. Sending love," former Sky Sports regular Bianca Westwood wrote.

"So sorry to hear this Kirsty. Hope you are ok," Formula One presenter Rachel Brookes replied. "I’m so sorry Kirsty - very traumatising and shocking - hope you’re ok" a message from tennis broadcaster Annabel Croft read.

"Kirsty, this is awful," TV and radio broadcaster Jenni Falconer posted in the replies. "I’m so sorry you experienced this. And not okay. Big love to you."

"Kirsty so so sorry to hear this. Sending tons of love and support," This Morning host Ben Shephard wrote. "This is awful - am so sorry - very brave in sharing such an important message but hope YOU are ok," was the reply from another TV host, Kate Garraway.

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