Protester hits Berlusconi at Milan rally

A man punched Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi in the face at a rally in Milan and the leader was whisked away in a car after falling to the ground, according to news reports in Italy.

State TV showed Mr Berlusconi with blood on his lips as he was lifted to his feet by aides.

A spokesman for Mr Berlusconi said he didn’t immediately have any information about the incident, which happened after the premier delivered a long, rousing speech to his conservative supporters this evening.

The attack occurred as the 73-year-old Mr Berlusconi was signing autographs near his car, state TV said.

Mr Berlusconi was hustled into the back of a car by the aides, but he immediately got out, apparently in an effort to show he was not badly injured.

After looking out into the crowd, the aides pulled the leader back into the vehicle.

Sky TG24 TV said Mr Berlusconi was taken to a Milan hospital to be treated.