Kirsty Gallacher wants bigger police presence on the streets after London assault
Kirsty Gallacher has called for more police officers on the streets of London after being assaulted by an unidentified man in the city last year.
Kirsty Gallacher has called for a greater police presence on the streets after she was assaulted in London last year.
The 50-year-old broadcaster was kicked aggressively by a man as she walked to her car in the city in October and has appealed for police to do more to combat violence against women and girls after the assailant was never found.
Kirsty told Sky News: "He turned around and kicked me – really kicked me – like he would kick a football.
"That's why women don't report these crimes because not enough is being done about it."
The star, who currently hosts the drivetime show on Gold Radio, added: "My biggest sadness or anger was there was not enough of a police presence. And we're in central London and I was looking everywhere, like I almost wanted to shout, 'Please help me!'.
"I would love a bigger police presence on the streets (to make women feel safe). And also I would like the police to take it seriously when women go, 'I've just been assaulted' – even the most minor of assaults."
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in response that the force is "committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls".
They added: "Officers spoke with the victim in this case on several occasions to share updates as the investigation progressed.
"Our last contact with them was at the end of December when they were informed the investigation had been filed, but would be reopened if the suspect was identified. The suspect's image remains in circulation across the Met.
"The investigation is closed at this time but will be reviewed if new information comes to light."
Kirsty had revealed that she was left "shocked" and "afraid" in the aftermath of the assault.
The former Sky Sports News presenter said in a video posted on social media: "I moved out of the way, and then he brushed past me, turned around and kicked me, like he was kicking a football.
"I can't quite believe what happened. I'm still shocked now, and I have the bruises to prove I'm afraid."
She continued: "I was not being provocative in any way – I was just going about my business as you do, just walking to my car to go back home to my family."
Gallacher explained that the street was lit and that some "lovely girls" had come to her aid after witnessing the attack.
She said: "I couldn't have done more to protect myself and still that happened to me. I'm very grateful to those lovely girls."
