Jude Law arrested for 'attack on photographer'

Jude Law has become the latest star to be caught up in a tussle with the paparazzi after he was arrested for allegedly attacking a photographer near his home on Tuesday. Reports emerged yesterday that a photographer claimed he had suffered minor injuries after the Bafta-winning actor apparently lunged for his camera to try and stop him taking photographs.

Talking to the entertainment news agency Wenn, the photographer said: "I was at a bus stop near Jude's house but I wasn't taking pictures of him. My camera was still in the bag. He was by himself when he recognised me and started accusing me of being a paedophile and that all I wanted to do was take pictures of his children. I was shocked at his behaviour," added the photographer. "You would expect that sort of thing from a yob, not a Hollywood actor."

The alleged incident took place just hours before Law left to host the GQ awards on Tuesday evening in central London, where he presented his Sleuth co-star Michael Caine with a lifetime achievement award. Law, 34, who was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm, has been bailed to return to a London police station in October.

Law's lawyers said the actor denied the accusation. "Jude has the utmost respect for the police and while this [matter] is an ongoing matter no further comment will be made," read a statement.

Law has previously expressed his hostility towards the paparazzi and has been outspoken in his desire to protect his three children from the glare of public life. The Alfie star said in the past that he "threw root vegetables" at celebrity photographers, who have shown persistent interest in him for much of his film career.

The screen icon had recently returned from promoting Sleuth at the Venice Film Festival, where it is competing for the much-coveted Golden Lion award. The film is a remake of the 1972 original that also starred Michael Caine, alongside Sir Laurence Olivier.

Tuesday's arrest is the latest in a bout of celebrity clashes with the paparazzi. Hugh Grant was arrested in April after allegedly throwing a container full of baked beans at a photographer who was waiting outside his door. The actor, known for his foppish characters in films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, was not charged.

The pro-hunt campaigner Otis Ferry is also alleged to have attacked a photographer after the snapper tried to get a picture of Ferry's brother Isaac leaving an exclusive London nightclub with actress Sienna Miller in February. The son of Roxy Music star Bryan will be appearing in court later this year on charges of causing criminal damage. There have even been recent incidences of photographers ending up on the wrong side of the law. Heather Mills, who became a key paparazzi target following her split from Sir Paul McCartney, took a photographer to court after he grabbed her shoulder while trying to take a picture of her in Brighton. The freelance photographer, Jay Kaycappa, was found guilty of assault in July.