Australian actor Sam Worthington has been arrested in New York after allegedly punching a member of the paparazzi who had attacked his partner Lara Bingle, News Ltd websites are reporting.

According to reports, the 37-year-old star punched a photographer in the face after he kicked Bingle as the couple were leaving the Cubbyhole Bar in Greenwich Village at about 5:30pm (New York Time).

Accounts of the incident have also surfaced on Twitter.

New York Police Department Lieutenant John Grimpel told News Ltd Australia the Avatar star was charged with assault and released on bail.

“The photographer kicked Lara and then Worthington punched him, causing the photographer to have lacerations to his nose.

“He has been charged with assault. He punched the photographer.”

Worthington will appear in court at a later date.

In November 2012 Worthington was accused of shoving a bouncer at a bar and grill in Atlanta, Georgia and charged with disorderly conduct.

The charges were thrown out when the bouncer failed to turn up at court.

With AAP