Kiefer Sutherland is expected to be charged with assault following an incident at a fashion event in New York this week.

Kiefer was at an after-party at SubMercer in SoHo following Monday night’s Costume Institute Gala at the city’s Metropolitan Museum of Art when he is said to have headbutted fashion designer Jack McCollough. Initial reports claimed the attack was provoked by McCollough knocking into Brooke Shields but both McCollough and Shields have denied that. McCollough, who is the co-founder of Proenza Schouler, was left with cuts and bruising after the attack.

Police launched an investigation into the incident on Tuesday and according to the New York Daily News, Kiefer has agreed to voluntarily surrender to police within the next few days - possibly today - and will receive a ‘desk appearance ticket’ for third-degree assault, which will mean he is free to travel until his arraignment.

A source told the newspaper: “When [his] lawyer realized paparazzi could be sitting on his [Sutherland’s] doorstep for two to three weeks, suddenly he wanted to come in right away and make it all go away.

“Kiefer is sorry it happened. Absolutely. It’s terribly regrettable.”

Kiefer is already on probation following his drink-driving arrest in Los Angeles in 2007. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has said they are waiting until the New York Police Department concludes their investigation before deciding whether or not he broke the terms of his probation. The 24 star spent 48 days in prison over New Year 2007/2008 for the DUI.