Schwarzenegger hurt in collision

Governor Schwarzenegger abandoned films for politics in 2003

California governor and former action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger has received 15 stitches to his lip after being injured in a traffic accident.

Mr Schwarzenegger was riding a motorcycle with his son in Los Angeles when a car reversed in front of him, his spokeswoman said.

The governor "was unable to avoid the vehicle in his path and collided with it at low speed", she said.

Mr Schwarzenegger is set to stick to his schedule of appointments on Monday.

The star of The Terminator and his son were wearing helmets when the "minor" accident took place, the spokeswoman said.

Twelve-year-old Patrick Schwarzenegger, who was riding in the motorcycle's sidecar, was treated at hospital for cuts and bruises, she said.

An Austrian-born former bodybuilder and Hollywood movie star, Mr Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California in 2003 and has confirmed he will seek re-election next year.

He spent four days in hospital in 2001 after breaking six ribs when his motorcycle collided with a car in front of him.