Harrelson facing assault claims

Woody Harrelson has compared the cameraman to a zombie

Actor Woody Harrelson has been accused of assaulting a photographer and damaging a video camera at LaGuardia Airport in New York.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police are investigating although no charges have yet been brought, spokesman Ron Marsico said.

Mr Marsico said the complaint alleges the actor pushed the camera into the photographer's face.

Harrelson's spokeswoman said she was unable to comment.

However on Friday Harrelson released a statement in which he compared the cameraman to a zombie.

"I wrapped a movie called Zombieland, in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character," Harrelson said.

"With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie."

TMZ has also posted a video on its site which appears to show the alleged incident taking place.

Harrelson, 47, has had run-ins with TMZ before.

In 2006, a TMZ photographer accused the actor of assaulting him in Los Angeles.

The district attorney in Los Angeles investigated but did not file charges.

Harrelson credits include the classic comedy series Cheers, which first pushed the actor in the limelight. Unlike many of his co-stars, he went on to an enduring film career in Hollywood.

He was Oscar-nominated as best actor for his role in the 1996 movie The People vs Larry Flynt.

His recent screen credits include No Country for Old Men and Seven Pounds.