Lavigne issues paparazzi apology

Lavigne celebrated her 22nd birthday last week

Pop singer Avril Lavigne has issued an apology following reports she spat at photographers in Los Angeles.

The Canadian star said she wished to "sincerely apologise" for her conduct, which she described as "a reaction to the persistent attack" from paparazzi.

"It's trying at best dealing with their insistent intrusions," she said in a statement posted on her website.

Lavigne and her husband, Deryck Whibley of rock band Sum 41, reportedly clashed with photographers last week.

The couple, who both grew up in Ontario, married in July.

'No offence'

The statement from Lavigne said she meant "no offence" to her fans "whose relationship I truly value".

"I have and will always go out of my way for my fans," she said.

Lavigne, best known for her hits Complicated and Sk8er Boi, was heard earlier this year as the voice of a possum in animated feature Over the Hedge.

She is set to release her as-yet untitled third album in 2007.