Sky newsreader Dermot Murnaghan posts picture of bloody face after alleged 'hit and run' incident

Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has been left battered and bruised after he was allegedly knocked off his bike in a hit-and-run crash in north London.

The veteran newsreader posted a picture of himself showing injuries to the left side of his face on his Twitter account, saying the crash happened in Kentish Town earlier this week.

The Sky News Tonight with Dermot Murnaghan presenter but has not appeared on screen for the last two nights.

He said in his tweet: “Here's why I haven't been on air for 2 days. A hit and run in Kentish Town yesterday. Police were fantastic.”

When a tweeter replied suggesting: “Perhaps someone doesn’t like @SkyNews?” the newsreader responded in a light-hearted manner, saying: “Haha. Plenty of suspects.”

Another reply said: “Good job the bike is OK?”, he responded: “Sign of a true cyclist – is the bike ok? It’s all your fault.”

Fellow Sky presenter Tom Macleod tweeted to say he would be filling in for Mr Murnaghan while he was off.

He said: “Swift recovery wishes to Dermot Murnaghan - rest up.”

Dozens of Tweeters wished him a speedy recovery, including fellow journalist Robert Peston, who said: “So sorry to hear. Hope you’re ok.”

Mr Murnaghan once ran a cycling blog on his website and made headlines when he was reportedly photographed going through a red light while using a Boris bike last year.

He has said he often cycles the 32-hour round trip between his north London home and the Sky office and has taken part in various cycling challenges before, including the tough Lands end to John O’Groats route in 2011.

This is not the first time the broadcaster has been injured while cycling as he said previously that he broke four ribs after being knocked off his bike by a pitbull.