Pierce Brosnan arrives at the red-carpet for the 'Goldene Kamera' award given by a popular German television magazine in Berlin February 1, 2007. [Agencies]

Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is being investigated on possible assault charges against a photographer, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department said on Tuesday.

Spokesman Steve Whitmore told Reuters, "We are investigating Mr. Brosnan, who is alleged to have committed a battery."

He declined to give details but said that the incident took place last Friday at a mall in Malibu.

The celebrity Web site TMZ.com quoted a witness as saying photographer Robert Rosen and Brosnan got into a scuffle when the photographer started to compliment the actor on his James Bond films.

TMZ said Brosnan reacted by cursing Rosen and hitting him in the ribs while the photographer kicked the actor.

Whitmore said results of the investigation will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for a decision on whether to bring charges.

Pierce Brosnan's spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

Irish-born Brosnan, 54, played Bond in four movies from 1995 to 2002.