Sir Paul denied there was any fracas

Police are to talk to Sir Paul before deciding whether to take the matter further, the Evening Standard said.

But Sir Paul's publicist dismissed the story, saying police had not tried to contact the singer since the incident.

Officers became involved in an argument between Sir Paul and Evening Standard snapper Kevin Wheal in September.

The Metropolitan Police said it could not discuss the case, except to say that the investigation was ongoing and there were two counter-claims of common assault.

Sir Paul's publicist, Geoff Baker, who was with him at the time of the incident, said he did not believe the newspaper's story.

Sir Paul had gone in September to watch illusionist Blaine suspended in a Perspex box for 44 days without food.

Row

Photographer Mr Wheal said Sir Paul, who was with friends, pushed him the chest during a row near the Thames as he tried to take his picture.

Blaine's stunt attracted enormous media attention

The former Beatle maintained it had "been a private" visit but Mr Baker had "mistakenly" tipped off a photographer that he was there.

Mr Wheal alleged he was grabbed by minders, while his camera was pushed to the ground.

Police became aware of the disturbance between a group of friends and a photographer and took statements at the scene.