Intruder attacks Rupert Murdoch during hearing on hacking

An intruder today attacked media baron Rupert Murdoch with a plastic plate during proceedings of a parliamentary committee probing the UK phone hacking scandal.

A man in checked shirt lunged towards the 80-year-old Murdoch from behind and hit him on his shoulder with the plate with shaving foam that led to a 10 minute suspension of the proceedings.

He was fought off by a group of people including his Chinese-origin wife Wendi Deng, who appeared to be slapping him. He was was caught by a couple of policemen and bundled out.

Murdoch remained calm while his son appeared rattled as he got off to protect his father during the commotion.

When the proceedings resumed, Murdoch had removed his jacket and continued his deposition.