Italy's PM Silvio Berlusconi is bloodied by attack

Mr Berlusconi was whisked away with blood on his face following the incident

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been hit in the face and knocked to the ground after a political rally in Milan.

Pictures showed Mr Berlusconi with a badly cut lip and blood on his cheek and chin. A man has been arrested.

The prime minister, looking dazed, was helped to his feet by aides and put in a car. He got out and tried to climb on the car to show he was all right.

Reports suggested he had either been punched or hit with an object.

Mr Berlusconi had been greeting supporters in a square in Milan when the assault took place.

According to Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, a small group of protesters were shouting slogans and whistling during the rally.

During the gathering he told supporters: "They paint me as a monster, but I don't think I am one - firstly because I am good-looking and secondly because I'm a decent chap".