HOT-TEMEPERED HUGH GRANT ATTACKS PHOTOGRAPHER IN NEW YORK

Hot-tempered movie star Hugh Grant got involved in a bizarre fracas with photographers as he left a trendy New York restaurant on Tuesday night.
The 48-year-old British actor, who is in Manhattan filming a new movie, suddenly lashed out and kicked a shocked snapper in the groin.
Casually-dressed Grant was leaving the popular celebrity hang-out the Waverly Inn with a mystery young woman and seemed to be in a jovial mood.
As he purposely walked down the street in New York's West Village with the 30-something woman – her hair hidden under a woolly hat and dressed in a dark bomber jacket and white trousers – the Notting Hill star appeared to joke to the paparazzi waiting outside the restaurant and bar.
“Ever had sex,” he said to the photographers.
“Never, I'm a virgin,” replied one.
As the banter continued, Grant said: “Just w***ing on the internet.”
“Where's the ladies tonight,” asked a journalist during the disjointed conversation.
“Not even a man,” replied Grant, who is in the United States filming the romantic comedy drama Did You Hear About The Morgans?, which co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker.
A seemingly helpful photographer said to Grant: “Trying to catch a cab? It's probably easier that way.”
Suddenly and for no apparent reason the situation took and freak turn and became ugly.
Grant changed direction and immediately kicked the man in the groin in an unprovoked attack.
“What the hell's your problem,” asked the shocked shutterbug. “I was trying to be a nice guy.”
Grant strode off as the photographer shouted: “I have witnesses. I should actually call the cops.”
A voice shouted “it's on video” but it was unclear whether that was Grant or one of the other photographers taking pictures.
Unpredictable Grant lost it with a photographer once before. In 2007 he was accused of kicking Ian Whittaker three times and throwing a family-sized carton of baked beans over him in a London street. On that occasion the star escaped being charged.
It was not clear this morning whether the New York Police Department had been informed of the attack or was investigating the incident.