Hugh Grant arrested over doorstep clash with photographer - Showbiz - Evening Standard
       

Hugh Grant arrested over doorstep clash with photographer

Hugh Grant has been arrested after allegedly hurling a tub of baked beans at a photographer.

He also reportedly kicked snapper Ian Whittaker.

Grant - who has been arrested before, when caught with prostitute Divine Brown in America - was taken to a police station last night for questioning over the alleged assault.

Scroll down for more

Grant has been questioned by authorities over the alleged altercation

Grant has been questioned by authorities over the alleged altercation

Photographer Ian Whittaker claims the actor attacked him

Photographer Ian Whittaker claims the actor attacked him

The arrest followed a clash with the freelance paparazzi photographer outside Grant's Chelsea home on Tuesday morning.

Mr Whittaker said he had turned up to take pictures of the actor's former girlfriend Liz Hurley, who lives in the same street. When Grant, 46, arrived in his car he asked him to smile as he took his picture.

The film star allegedly snapped, swearing at Mr Whittaker, 43, and reportedly kicking him three or four times. Then, as Grant entered his house, he allegedly turned and threw a plastic container of baked beans at him.

Mr Whittaker told a tabloid newspaper: "I said Give us a smile please' and he looked really angry.

"I walked backwards and he walked after me. He kicked me hard three or four times then kneed me in the groin.

The actor was arrested in LA after being caught with a prostitute

The actor was arrested in LA after being caught with a prostitute

Police were called to the incident and last night Kensington detectives returned to the actor's home to arrest him and take him for questioning.

Grant had his fingerprints taken and provided a DNA sample. His other arrest was in Los Angeles 1995, when Grant was fined £1,000 for the Divine Brown incident.

Scotland Yard could not confirm the names of those involved on Tuesday, but said they were investigating an allegation of assault in Chelsea.

A spokeswoman added: "A 46- year-old man was arrested and has been bailed to a date next month.

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London