Security guards on the set of Brad Pitt's new film have come under fire for allegedly beating up a paparazzo who was attempting to take photos of the star.

The photographer - who was trying to catch a glimpse of Brad filming Quentin Tarantino's new film Inglourious Basterds - needed medical attention after reportedly being thrown to the ground and punched several times.

A source in Berlin said, "The security guards are doing anything they can to stop the photographers getting pictures of Brad Pitt.

"There was a bit of a scuffle between some of the security and a local photographer and reporter.

"The police spoke to some of the staff but nothing came of it. I think both the security guards and the press were happy to just let it go."

Police are quizzing the security guards over the alleged attack.

Brad took time off recently from filming to spend time with Angelina Jolie and their kids.