ONE of Southampton's most senior religious leaders was left cut and bruised after he was attacked by a drunken Saints fan.

The Rev Ian Johnson, team rector of the city centre parish and a Daily Echo columnist, was the victim of an unprovoked assault as he waited in his car at traffic lights in Botley Road, North Baddesley.

His attacker, who was dressed in a complete Saints home kit, first swore at the 62-year-old before demanding that the vicar get out of his car.

When he refused, the man reached through the car window and punched him in the face.

The attack left Mr Johnson with cuts to the bridge of his nose and bruising around his eyes.

Mr Johnson, who is also the chaplain of Southampton Football Club, said: "He tried to throw more punches at my face and I was leaning away from the door in an attempt to get out of his reach.

"He was wearing a Saints kit and he was very drunk. I have no idea why anyone would do that.

"I can only think that he was upset at their recent poor performance."

Police have launched an inquiry into the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

For the full story see today's Daily Echo