Jesse Metcalfe Facing Assault Charges For Punching Photographer

[Brian Damage]

Former Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe is facing criminal charges after being accused of punching a photographer outside a London nightclub.

The actor was leaving exclusive nightspot Studio Valbonne in Soho on Saturday night when he reportedly launched an unprovoked attack on the snapper, leaving him with a bloody nose.

The photographer involved, Rowan Lawrence, reported the incident to Charing Cross police station and is asking for charges to be brought against the 28-year-old star.

Lawrence says, "He (Metcalfe) was coming out of the club and walking towards his taxi. But he kept walking past the vehicle. I was walking backwards away from him and he kept walking towards me. He then raised his fist and punched me in the face."

Metcalfe, who is currently dating on-off girlfriend Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud, spent the rest of the evening partying at the Astoria venue's famous G-A-Y event to celebrate World AIDS Day.