The actor was leaving a TV studio in Hollywood after filming an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! when an unnamed young man broke away from a crowd of waiting fans and ran towards the star.

The scene descended into chaos as a bodyguard stepped in and wrestled the man to the ground while onlookers watched in horror.

But Pattinson remained in good spirits and was snapped smiling as he greeted fans before he was escorted safely to his car.