Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell have appeared in court following their arrest on disorderly conduct charges after a domestic dispute.

The Jewish singer songwriter 72, told the judge at the hearing: “We had an argument - that is atypical of us.”

Ms Brickell, 48, agreed, assuring the court : “ [Paul] is not a threat to me at all.”

The couple were arrested at their home in New Canaan, Connecticut, on Saturday.

In a statement Connecticut police said that officers responded at around 8:20pm to investigate a "family dispute".

Police chief Leon Krolikowski said the couple was given a misdemeanour summons and one of them agreed to leave the property and go to another location.

He said:"There was aggressiveness on both sides.

"They're both victims and they have children involved, and we're trying to be very cautious of that."

The couple have been married since 1992 and have three children.

Mr Simon started his 50-year career as one half of the famous duo Simon and Garfunkel, before becoming a hugely successful solo artist.

His wife was lead singer of the 1980’s band Edie Brickell and New Bohemians.