Pitt was at the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood with his wife Angelina Jolie for the premiere of her new Disney film, Maleficent.

A man jumped the barrier and ran up to Pitt while he was walking down the carpet.

The man made contact with Pitt’s face before police managed to intervene. The police tackled the man to the ground before handcuffing him and leading him away.

He has been arrested on suspicion of battery.

Pitt appeared to be unhurt in the scuffle. After the incident, Pitt and Jolie continued walking and neither appeared to be fazed by the incident.

Reports and photos taken at the time suggest that it was the notorious red carpet 'prankster' 25-year-old Vitalii Sediuk.

Officers leading the suspect away yesterday evening

He targets stars on the red carpet, with his most recent being Ugly Betty star America Ferrera. He crawled under her long gown at the Cannes Film Festival while she was posing for photographs.

He has also tried to kiss Will Smith and put his face in Bradley Cooper's crotch.