Berlusconi Left Bloodied After Attack

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was taken to hospital with a bloodied face after a man struck him in the face in a Milan square.

A member of his staff said that the premier, who had given a speech to thousands of flag-waving supporters, was immediately bundled into a car and taken to hospital for treatment.

Media reports identified the alleged attacker as Massimo Tartaglia, a man in his early 40s, who was immediately arrested.

Tartaglia allegedly approached Berlusconi as he was leaving a rally of his People of Freedom party.

ANSA news agency said the suspect had a 10-year history of mental health problems and that his psychotherapist was summoned to the police station.

compiled from agency reports