One of Rihanna's bodyguards has been caught on camera punching a photographer in London after the snapper got a little too close to the pop star's car.

The incident took place on Sunday night as the "Umbrella" hitmaker made her way out of the Whiskey Mist nightclub following her headlining performance at the city's Hackney Weekend festival.

Rihanna had already jumped into her waiting car when a security guard took issue with one paparazzo, who failed to move back from the singer's vehicle.

In video footage of the clash, obtained by TMZ.com, the hulking bodyguard, who has not been identified, is seen swinging at the unnamed photographer, punching him to the ground. It is not known if the snapper sustained any serious injuries in the altercation.