This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8410946.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Berlusconi is bloodied by attack Berlusconi is bloodied by attack
(10 minutes later)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been hit in the face and knocked to the ground after a political rally in Milan.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 bleeding from the mouth after the assault. A man has been arrested. Pictures showed Mr Berlusconi with a badly cut lip and blood on his cheek and chin. A man has been arrested.
The prime minister was helped to his feet by aides and rushed away from the scene in a car. 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.
One report said the assailant was holding an object. 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".
Were you there? Did you witness the attack? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.