Hugh Grant

Police are investigating reports that actor Hugh Grant was involved in a bizarre incident in which he allegedly lashed out at a paparazzo with a tub of baked beans.

Grant and photographer Ian Whittaker reportedly clashed near the actor's west London home on Tuesday morning.

Whittaker told a tabloid newspaper Grant abused and kicked him before picking up a tub of beans and throwing them.

The newspaper published photographs apparently showing the alleged incident.

Whittaker was in the area to get pictures of Liz Hurley, Grant's former partner, who lives nearby.

The Metropolitan Police could not confirm the names of those involved but said they were investigating an incident in west London.

The spokeswoman said: "Inquiries are in hand. There have been no arrests."