Jackson security car 'rear-ended by paps'

Published Oct 22 2009, 15:34 BST  |  By Tim Parks

A security vehicle following Michael Jackson's three children was reportedly rear-ended in a car accident with a photographer.

Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and 7-year-old Prince were being taken to karate class when the incident occurred, TMZ reports. They were not harmed.

Witnesses alleged that a paparazzi car smashed into the back of the Escalade and then fled the scene. A hit-and-run report was filed on the scene at 2.20pm (PST) yesterday in Sherman Oaks, a few miles away from the Jackson family home in Encino.

The accident is currently under investigation and the District Attorney could file a felony hit-and-run charge if sufficient evidence is gathered. It is illegal to leave the scene of a fender-bender without information being exchanged in the state of California.

The children of the late King of Pop are reportedly guarded by a security team constantly, which is claimed to cost upwards of £750,000 a year.