Lewis held after gun found in bag

Lewis is known for his 1950s comedy partnership with Dean Martin

American comedian Jerry Lewis has been held by police after an unloaded gun was found in his hand-luggage at the main airport in Las Vegas.

The weapon was seized as the star passed through the security checkpoint at McCarran International.

Lewis's manager, Claudia Marghilano, said the gun was a prop that could not be fired, and insisted the 82-year-old did not know it had been in his bag.

Lewis had been travelling to Michigan to perform a one-man show.

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesman said the gun was registered to Lewis and he would need to appear in court to get it back.

Health problems

The comedian is best known for his comedy partnership with Dean Martin during the 1950s.

He went on to star in a number of films including The Ladies Man and the original version of The Nutty Professor.

Since 1966, Lewis has hosted annual telethons in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Last year the event raised $63.8m (£32.2m).

Lewis has previously suffered from a series of health problems, including battling prostate cancer and meningitis.