Mike Tyson arrested after punching snapper

NEW YORK: Mike Tyson has been arrested at an airport in the US after allegedly punching a photographer.

The former heavyweight boxing champion was detained on suspicion of battery following the scuffle at Los Angeles International Airport, police said.

The snapper, who was treated in hospital for a cut to his forehead, told officers that Tyson struck him once, an airport police spokesman said.

Tyson''s spokeswoman said the boxer, who was travelling with his wife and 10-month-old child, was reacting to an overly aggressive photographer to protect his baby.

Tyson was protecting wife Lakiha Spicer and daughter Milan, his spokeswoman said

The 43-year-old is expected to be released from custody later. The photographer is also likely to be charged, police said.