Former BBC presenter Jan Leeming left with large cut after attack

Former BBC presenter Jan Leeming has been left with a six inch cut after being attacked at a cash machine in France.

The 80-year-old, who was a long-time newsreader for the BBC, was waiting for friends near a cash machine when she was 'tackled' and left with various injuries.

Leeming tweeted: "Horrid experience. Attacked close to ATM friends were using. Youngish man seemed pleasant held out hand – like a first rate idiot being courteous I took it. Rugby tackled to ground. Bag was over my arm- he didn’t get it. Got six inch gash on arm back of hand black and blue."

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She added: "Only grateful he didn’t get bag with my cards and phone. MacBook isn’t working here so phone only means to be contacted if flight is changed.

"Nasty feeling I will have a scar. Very deep graze. Yes very shaken but undeterred."

Leeming later said that she was 'fine': "Hallo lovely people. Please don’t worry. I’m absolutely fine – not traumatised one little bit. Just sore with a few bruises and a massive dressing on my arm. Thank you all so much for your warmth and good wishes."

She also confirmed that she had reported the incident to the police in Provence, France but is now back home in the UK.

Leeming also called the attack "well orchestrated" and said "hell will freeze" before the perpetrator will be caught by the police.

As well as being one of the UK's most-recognised newsreaders throughout the 1980's, Leeming is also noteworthy for her stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

She took part in the reality show in 2006 and did a record six bush tucker trials which involved jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet and eating a witchety grub. She finished sixth in the series.

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