Journalist arrested outside Florida voting office

A sheriff's deputy has tackled, punched and arrested a US journalist for taking pictures of people waiting in line to cast early ballots in West Palm Beach, local media has reported.

A sheriff's spokesman said later the deputy was enforcing a new county rule prohibiting reporters from interviewing or photographing voters lined up outside the polls, The Palm Beach Post said.

The incident happened on Sunday and the deputy tried to grab the camera of James Henry, a freelance journalist who has written for The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Mr Henry, 54, ran across the pavement but was tackled by the deputy, who pinned him to the ground, punched him in the back and handcuffed him, according to the newspaper.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Palm Beach supervisor of elections Teresa LePore did not comment on the incident or the new rule, which had not been previously announced.