Ex-Sky Sports host Kirsty Gallacher attacked by man in street on way home from work

Kirsty Gallacher has opened up about a horrifying, unprovoked attack in London where she was "kicked like a football". The former Sky Sports News presenter was making her way to her car when the incident occurred. "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 shared 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.

"I luckily had some witnesses, some lovely girls saw it and came to my aid.

"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 launched her broadcasting journey with Sky Sports during the late 90s before making a comeback as a Sky Sports News presenter in 2011.

Her second spell continued for seven years until her departure in 2018.

The broadcaster, whose father Bernard competed as a professional golfer, has also fronted shows for various networks including ITV and Channel 4.

She helmed a Gladiators reboot in 2008 and appeared more recently on GB News, ventured into radio presenting on numerous occasions and currently hosts a drive time programme on Gold Radio, broadcasting on weekdays from 4pm-7pm.

Numerous supportive messages have poured in since Gallacher revealed her ordeal.

"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.