Attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband

An intruder attacked the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer, fracturing his skull, after breaking into their California home in search of her.

Paul Pelosi was "attacked at home by an assailant who acted with force and threatened his life while demanding to see the speaker," Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said.

Paul Pelosi, 82 -- who underwent surgery and is recovering in hospital -- was at home alone, as his wife was working in Washington.

San Francisco police said officers found the assailant at the couple's home just before 2:30 am, where he and Paul Pelosi were scuffling over a hammer.

San Francisco police chief Bill Scott, identified the assailant as 42-year-old David Depape but declined to take questions.

At a press conference, Scott said the suspect was still in hospital, adding he could not yet publicly reveal the alleged motivation for the crime.

"This was not a random act," Scott said. "This was intentional, and it is wrong."

US media, citing family sources, said the intruder told Paul Pelosi he was going to tie him up and wait for the speaker to get home.

The victim managed to dial 911 while the man was distracted, according to an account given to cable network MSNBC.

Local media had earlier reported that the intruder shouted "Where's Nancy?" during the assault.

Scott said Depape would be charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and other felonies.