The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was attacked earlier this evening whilst signing autographs after leaving a meeting in Milan.

The Prime Minister was apparently struck in the face by a man in the crowd, who was immediately apprehended and taken into custody.

Mr Berlusconi was seen to have a bloodied face and appeared to be either dazed from the attack or in shock, his aides rushed him into his car and he was taken to hospital for treatment. It is thought that he will remain in hospital over night.

The Italian leader is reported to have suffered two broken teeth, a fractured nose and cuts to his lip after apparently being struck with a souvenir statue of the city’s cathedral.

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