Former Sky Sports Presenter Kirsty Gallacher Assaulted in Central London
Former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher has bravely spoken out about a terrifying assault she endured in central London last year, calling for a stronger police presence on the streets to protect women and girls. The 50-year-old broadcaster described being kicked by a man as she walked to her car, an incident that left her shaken and demanding action from authorities.
"He Kicked Me Like a Football" – Gallacher Recounts the Attack
Gallacher detailed the assault in an interview with UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, revealing the brutal nature of the attack. "He turned around and kicked me – really kicked me – like he would kick a football," she said, emphasising the violence of the act. The man responsible has never been identified or apprehended, despite Gallacher reporting the incident to the police immediately.
She expressed frustration over the lack of police response and support, noting that it reflects a broader issue where women often feel discouraged from reporting crimes. "That's why women don't report these crimes because also not enough is being done about it," Gallacher stated, highlighting systemic failures in addressing violence against women.
Gallacher's Plea for Increased Police Presence and Seriousness
In her appeal, Gallacher stressed the urgent need for more visible police officers in public spaces, particularly in busy areas like central London. "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!'" she recounted.
She further called for police to take all reports of assault seriously, regardless of severity. "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," Gallacher added, advocating for a cultural shift in law enforcement attitudes.
Met Police Response and Investigation Status
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson responded to Gallacher's claims, asserting their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. "Officers spoke with the victim in this case on several occasions to share updates as the investigation progressed," they said, noting that the investigation was filed at the end of December but remains open for review if new information emerges.
The spokesperson confirmed that the suspect's image is still in circulation across the Met, and the case could be reopened if the individual is identified. However, the investigation is currently closed, leaving Gallacher and many others concerned about the effectiveness of such measures in preventing future assaults.
Gallacher's Career and Recent Endeavours
Kirsty Gallacher began her career at Sky in 1996, rising to become a presenter on Sky Sports News in 2011, where she worked for seven years. Since leaving Sky Sports in 2018, she has taken on roles with GB News and various radio stations. Her departure from GB News in December 2021 was due to a benign tumour in her ear, which caused tinnitus, but she has continued to be an active voice in media and public discussions.
This incident has propelled Gallacher into advocacy, using her platform to highlight the need for better protection and support for women facing violence in public spaces. Her story underscores ongoing challenges in urban safety and law enforcement responsiveness, sparking a wider conversation about how society addresses such crimes.
