Sam Worthington arrested for allegedly punching a paparazzo

Actor Sam Worthington, best known for playing the lead in 2009 blockbuster 'Avatar', has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a photographer.

According to the New York City Police Department detective Kellyann Ort, Worthington, 37, had allegedly punched the photographer Sheng Li in the face following an altercation between them yesterday at 5.30 pm at a bar in Greenwich Village here.

The altercation broke out after Li allegedly kicked the actor's 26-year-old female companion in the leg.

According to NYPD Lieutenant John Grimpel, who spoke to news.com.au., Worthington, who has been charged with assault, was released on a desk appearance ticket.

"Yes, Sam Worthington was arrested tonight and charged with assault. He was released on a desk ticket with return to appear in court on February 26," Grimpel said.

Ort said that Li, a 37-year-old photographer who lives in Manhattan, has also been held for arraignment. No one was hospitalised following the incident.

It is said that Worthington's female companion was his model girlfriend Lara Bingle.The actor, who had recently sparked wedding rumours with Bingle, apparently yelled at Li during the altercation by saying "You kicked my wife".

In addition to 'Avatar', Worthington has also acted in 'Terminator Salvation' (2009), 'Clash of the Titans' (2010) and 'Man on a Ledge' (2012).