West Ham United striker Andy Carroll was at the centre of a police investigation last night over an alleged assault in a burger bar, reports the Mirror.

The 23-year-old, 6ft 3in striker was quizzed following Police in Dublin interviewed the star, on loan from Liverpool to West Ham, after allegations of assault were made after the 23-year-old striker's picture was taken as he left a fast food restaurant in the Irish capital.

The snapper, recovering in hospital last night, claimed he was attacked as Carroll was in the city for the West Ham Christmas party.

Police confirmed Carroll had been quizzed after the alleged assault, but no arrests had been made and the allegations were still being investigated.

A West Ham spokesman said last night: "Andy Carroll was in Dublin as part of a social trip with full permission of the management team.

"Andy agreed to have a number of pictures taken at the request of a photographer who was waiting on the street.

"Despite this, the photographer then carried on taking photos in the close proximity of Andy and was politely asked to stop by the private security team working on the trip.

"When he then continued taking more photos he was restrained by the security team for Andy's safety.

"Eyewitnesses state at no point was there any physical contact between Andy and the photographer.

"The Garda took statements from the group back at the hotel and no further action was taken."