Russell Brand arrested after airport altercation

British actor-comedian Russell Brand has been arrested following an altercation with a photographer.

The 35-year-old comic was taken into custody yesterday at Los Angeles International Airport for a misdemeanor charge of simple battery, according to police.

Brand was booked at LAPD's Pacific Division and initially held on $20,000 (£12,700) bail. He was released later the same day on his own recognisance, Los Angeles Airport Police spokeswoman Belinda Nettles said.

The victim, a paparazzo who was not identified, placed Brand under citizen's arrest, Nettles said.

The alleged attack involving the two-time MTV Video Music Awards host and "Get Him to the Greek" star was first reported by TMZ, which posted video of the altercation that occurred as Brand and his fiancee, "California Gurls" singer Katy Perry, were surrounded by paparazzi as they entered the terminal that houses Delta.

Brand's publicists did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Back in England, Brand has built a reputation for his drug-addled past and hedonistic tendencies, and he's sought treatment for drug addiction and sex addiction. He detailed his storied history in his 2007 memoir "My Booky Wook." Brand is next set to star as Trinculo in a version of "The Tempest" and the title character in a remake of "Arthur."