The actor who played Pee-wee Herman has denied child pornography was among pictures seized by police from his Los Angeles mansion.

Paul Reubens says he had voluntarily handed over his "vintage kitsch and erotic art" to police during a search of his home.

A spokesman for the 49-year-old comedian claims he is the victim of a blackmail bid.

Reubens had to resurrect his career after being fined in 1991 for indecent exposure in an adult cinema.

"The search was based on a financially motivated, fabricated claim by an individual," the spokesman told the New York Post.

"The police did have a search warrant but they were voluntarily allowed into Reuben's home. They seized material from Reubens' house including his vintage kitsch and erotic art and photography collection which Paul has collected for over 30 years."

The spokesman dismissed reports that the photographs seized by police included up to 30 pornographic Polaroid pictures of underage boys.

"At the end of the day, my client will be totally vindicated. The story that my client has child pornography is false," said the spokesman.

Police in Los Angeles have refused to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Story filed: 16:43 Wednesday 28th November 2001