Washington, October 31 : Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is being probed for allegedly punching a photographer outside a trendy Malibu eatery last Friday.

Steve Whitmore, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, confirmed that the matter is being investigated.

"(Brosnan) is alleged to have committed a battery against a male adult. We're investigating it, and we've taken a report which we'll refer to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office for review,” E!online quoted him as saying.

He, however, refused to divulge further details.

Website TMZ has reported that it was its photographer, Robert Rosen, who was roughed up by Brosnan.

The website has also revealed the photographer was following Brosnan and his young son when the incident took place near the Casa Escobar Mexican restaurant.

Eyewitness have told the website that the cameraman approached Brosnan and complimented him on his Bond roles, but the 54-year-old actor gave him a tart reply.

They have also revealed that Brosnan punched the photographer in the ribs, and the latter retaliated with a kick to the actor’s stomach before fleeing the scene.

Rosen and representatives for Brosnan were unavailable for comment. (ANI)