British Mystery Stars McCartney, Blaine

09/19/2003 at 10:40 AM EDT

What do you get when you cross a photographer, a Beatle and a magician? A jolly good mess.

In London on Friday, Paul McCartney apparently got into a scuffle when a photog tried to take his picture when the ex-Beatle went to get a glimpse of David Blaine, who's hanging over the River Thames in a plastic box.

In fact, McCartney's British spokesman Geoff Baker told the Associated Press that he was fired by the ex-Beatle when he learned that the publicist informed the photographer that McCartney, 61, would be near the Blaine site.

The American illusionist, 30, is hanging suspended in air without food for 44 days as his latest feat -- which is being dubbed a great big (and tiresome) publicity stunt by most of the British press.

Baker tells AP that he was later reinstated (the BBC in its report says McCartney was only kidding when he sacked Baker), and that reports of a "fracas" between the Beatle and the photog were exaggerated.

London's Metropolitan Police, however, say they are investigating two counter-allegations of common assault following a dispute near Blaine's box, reports AP.

Police didn't name anyone involved in the incident, but the Evening Standard newspaper says its photographer, Kevin Wheal, claimed he was hit after trying to take McCartney's picture -- except it's unclear who threw a punch.

And, furthermore: Where the heck is the picture?

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