Veteran newsreader Dermot Murnaghan has been kept off the air because he has a bloody face from a hit-and-run in Kentish Town, he has announced.

The Sky News presenter and former Eggheads host posted a photograph of his bruised and grazed face to explain his recent absence from TV.

He wrote on Twitter that he was the victim of a “hit and run in Kentish Town yesterday”.

Describing the picture, he wrote: “Here’s why I haven’t been on air for 2 days”.

The 59-year-old added that the police were “fantastic”.

Sympathetic tweeters rushed to wish him well.

Annabel Giles wrote: “Oh my gosh, Dermot, I hope you feel better soon. Must have been a terrible shock xx”.

Another, fellow Sky News presenter Anna Jones, said: “Ouch! Hope you heal quickly, Dermot x”.

Edward Adoo, meanwhile, wrote: “Sorry Dermot. No need for that. London roads getting worse. Grew up in the area. St Domincs etc. Glad Police were helpful.”