Tycoon in Hurley paternity row avoids premiere

The American tycoon reported to be in a paternity row with pregnant actress Liz Hurley has gone to ground.

Steve Bing cancelled his appearance at the premiere of Vinnie Jones' new film.

The 35-year-old billionaire had been telling his friends the child is not his and is seeking legal advise to dodge paternity pay-outs, a Sunday newspaper reports.

The film producer, who stands to inherit £2.8bn from his father, was reported to be prepared to gamble on a genetic test to prove his case.

Under Californian law the screenwriter could be forced to part with 28% of his gross income in child maintenance. That could amount to £500,000 a year, according to the News of the World.

Mr Bing funded the film Night at the Golden Eagle with his business partner, director Adam Rifkin.

Vinnie Jones - who stars as violent pimp Rodan alongside screen legend James Caan in the hard-hitting movie about low-lifes in Los Angeles - was accompanied by his wife and signed autographs for fans outside the Odeon in London's West End as he arrived for the premiere.