Former N.J. Gov. Byrne is assaulted in London

The son of former New Jersey Gov. Brendan Byrne says his father is sore but otherwise OK after being assaulted on a London street by a man who punched him in the face.

The 85-year-old Byrne suffered facial cuts and soreness but declined hospital treatment after the incident yesterday. Tom Byrne said his father sounded fine on the phone a couple of hours after the assault happened.

Tom Byrne said the man who attacked his father was mentally ill. He said that the man first punched a phone booth and that his father "was the next available target." Police quickly apprehended the man.

Byrne and his wife, Ruthi, were on their way to a theater matinee when the attack occurred. They are planning to return home Saturday. Byrne, a Democrat, was governor from 1974 to 1982. - AP