Hugh Grant arrested over "baked beans attack"

Cast member Hugh Grant smiles at the world premiere of ''Music and Lyrics'' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, in this February 7, 2007 file photo. Grant has been arrested and questioned by police after a photographer accused the actor of attacking him with a tub of baked beans.

LONDON (Reuters) - Hugh Grant has been arrested and questioned by police after a photographer accused the actor of attacking him with a tub of baked beans.

Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star tabloid that he and Grant, 46, clashed near the home of the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" star.

Whittaker said Grant abused and kicked him on Tuesday before lobbing the beans. The paper printed photos of Grant with a plastic tub of food raised over his head.

Grant's lawyers Schillings said an incident had taken place and was now under investigation. His agent in the United States said he had no official statement at this stage and London representatives could not be immediately reached for comment.

A police spokeswoman, when asked about the incident, said a 46-year-old man had been arrested on Wednesday evening and questioned at a London police station after an allegation of assault in west London.

He was bailed to return in May.

Grant had a previous well-publicized run-in with the law. In 1995 he hit the headlines after being arrested during an encounter with a Los Angeles prostitute.

In 2000, Grant split with his girlfriend of 13 years, actress and model Elizabeth Hurley. Hurley married Indian businessman Arun Nayar last month.

The actor announced in February that he had ended his relationship with British socialite Jemima Khan.