Two paparazzi were arrested near pop star Britney Spears' home in Los Angeles, and charged with suspicion of loitering, local authorities said Tuesday.

A police patrol spotted the two photographers Monday illegally parked on a city-owned fire access road off limits to the public. Told to leave, the pair had not moved when police returned to the area 45 minutes later, and were promptly arrested.

The paparazzi were taken to North Hollywood Station, where they were booked on suspicion of loitering and released. Their vehicle was towed and impounded by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The street where the arrest took place is near the Spears residence in Los Angeles' Studio City, which is often staked out by paparazzi and reporters seeking the latest glimpse of the 26-year-old icon or gossip about her troubled personal life.

AFP