Ukraine PM hurt in 'egg attack'

By Helen Fawkes
BBC correspondent in Kiev

Mr Yanukovych was taken to hospital after the incident

The Ukrainian prime minister has been taken to hospital after being hit by an object during a visit to a university in the west of the country.

Reports say an egg and a sharp object were thrown at Viktor Yanukovych before he fell over. A man has been arrested.

Mr Yanukovych is one of the front-runners in next month's presidential election. But the western Ukraine traditionally supports the opposition.

His spokeswoman said his injuries were not life-threatening.

The prime minister was getting off a bus when, it is claimed, the objects were thrown at him.

He fell over and hit his head and was then taken to hospital.

Mr Yanukovych is on a four-day tour of the regions. The incident happened just after he arrived at a university in the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, where he was met by supporters as well as opposition protesters.

The prime minister is one of the favourites in the presidential election in six weeks' time.

He is currently trailing in the opinion polls to the main opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko, who has strong levels of support in western Ukraine.