This is the moment that Jude Law lashed out at a female paparazzo during a night out in London.

The actor's open palm connected with the photographer's head as she tried to snap him leaving The Automat bar and restaurant at 12.30am this morning.

Afterwards, a clearly angry Jude got into his car and was driven away.

The 28-year old woman, who was left clutching her head, said: "He hit me full on the face, it was a real stinger, it was very sore."

Jude - who has a volatile history with the paparazzi - is believed to have been enjoying another night on the town with pal Leonardo DiCaprio shortly before the incident occured.

Earlier he had signed autographs for fans gathered outside the Wyndham Theatre, where he is currently starring in Hamlet.

It's not yet known whether criminal charges will be brought against the Alfie star.

UPDATE: Jude's publicist tells us it was an "accident." We'll have more soon.

See the whole incident as it unfolded below