Television broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher has revealed she suffered an unprovoked physical assault whilst walking through central London on Tuesday evening.
The 49-year-old former GB News presenter was attacked by a masked assailant as she made her way to her vehicle after finishing work.
The incident occurred at approximately 7pm when an unknown male kicked her forcefully before fleeing the scene.
Gallacher sustained bruising from the assault, which took place on a well-illuminated street with other pedestrians present.
Kirsty Gallacher has revealed she was kicked in the street on Tuesday night
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The broadcaster, who departed Sky Sports in 2018 after a seven-year tenure before working at GB News in 2021, disclosed the traumatic experience through social media on Wednesday.
She described being targeted without provocation whilst simply attempting to return home to her family after her workday had concluded.
Gallacher recounted the disturbing encounter on Instagram, explaining how she observed a figure dressed entirely in black approaching her directly. Despite her customary vigilance, the individual initially passed by before suddenly turning back.
“He turned around, and he kicked me like he was kicking a football,” she stated. “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.”
The presenter emphasised she had done nothing to provoke the assault. “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,” she explained.
Kirsty Gallacher worked for Sky Sports for seven years before leaving in 2018
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Several female bystanders immediately offered assistance to the shaken presenter following the assault. Gallacher expressed gratitude towards these witnesses who approached her in the aftermath of the attack.
However, she voiced significant disappointment regarding the response from a security guard stationed at a nearby doorway.
“There was a security guard on a door nearby who was absolutely useless and didn’t do anything, which was hugely disappointing,” she revealed.
The presenter found herself in disbelief that a complete stranger had targeted her without apparent motive. She speculated whether her attacker harboured animosity towards women or was simply an opportunist seeking a victim.
“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,” she stated emphatically.
Gallacher chose to publicise the incident due to her belief that violent crime has become increasingly prevalent across the capital. She warned that whilst people hear about muggings and other street crimes, many assume it won’t affect them personally.
“It’s really sad that that is what’s going on on the streets of London, and that is very real,” she stated.
Kirsty Gallagher urged others to remain vigilant
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The presenter emphasised that despite taking extensive precautions, including avoiding displaying her phone and carrying a cross-body bag, she still fell victim to violence.
She urged others to remain vigilant and protect themselves, noting: “You might not think it’s going to happen to you, but it could be you.” Gallacher stressed that such incidents are occurring with alarming frequency and must not be normalised.
Fellow broadcasters rallied around Gallacher following her disclosure of the assault. Former Sky Sports colleague Bianca Westwood expressed her sympathy, writing: “So sorry this happened to you. It’s very frightening. Sending love.”
Formula One presenter Rachel Brookes responded with concern, stating: “So sorry to hear this Kirsty. Hope you are ok.” Tennis broadcaster Annabel Croft similarly offered support, commenting: “I’m so sorry Kirsty – very traumatising and shocking – hope you’re ok.”
Gallacher’s broadcasting career spans multiple networks, having begun with Sky Sports in the late 1990s before returning in 2011.
She has also presented programmes for ITV and Channel 4, including hosting the 2008 Gladiators revival, and more recently appeared on GB News.
