Matthew McConaughey was defended from paparazzi by a group of surfers yesterday who took offence to the media scrum surrounding him and attacked the snappers in a violent beach brawl.

A group of approximately twelve photographers were taking snaps of the Sahara star enjoying the surf on a Malibu, California beach when a group of disgruntled surfers launched an all-out attack, allegedly leaving one paparazzo with a broken nose after being struck in the face, as shown in a video posted on TMZ.

Another photographer was allegedly thrown into a mound of rocks by the group of angry surfers, leaving his camera equipment damaged.

Police have confirmed a battery report has been filed by one photographer - though no arrests have been made, according to the website.

McConaughey, an avid surfer, was not involved in the incident.