OSCAR-WINNING actor Mel Gibson has been accused of shoving, spitting at, and verbally abusing a female photographer outside a Sydney cinema on Sunday.

Police are investigating the incident which occurred around 6.20pm outside the Palace Verona cinema in Paddington where the actor attended a film festival with his new girlfriend Rosalind Ross.

A NSW Police spokeswoman told news.com.au they were investigating reports “a man became involved with an altercation with a photographer outside a cinema on Oxford St”. Police say the man allegedly pushed the female photographer.

Photographer Kristi Miller, who had been stationed outside the cinema to snap the pair, told the Daily Telegraph Gibson, 59, had shoved her and launched an expletive-laden tirade after she took his photograph.

“I thought he was going to punch me in the face,” she said.

“He was spitting in my face as he was yelling at me, calling me a dog, saying I’m not even a human being and I will go to hell.

“He swore and called me a c***. It was non-stop, he didn’t even breathe.”

The News Corp photographer said Gibson had accused her of “disrespecting” him by taking his photograph, and shoved her “really hard” in the back.

She said she felt shocked as Gibson stood over her with a clenched fist and only backed away when his 24-year-old girlfriend intervened and apologised to the frightened snapper.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.

Gibson is in Sydney working on his latest directing project, World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge.

Last night’s altercation isn’t the first time Gibson’s alleged actions have led to a police investigation.

In 2006 the actor was arrested for suspected drink driving in Malibu and making anti-Semitic comments towards an officer.