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

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.

Hugh is also accused of kicking Ian Whittaker, and, according to the photographer, said he wished his children would die of cancer.