Hollywood actress CAMERON DIAZ "freaked out" at waiting paparazzi who were photographing her during a shopping trip in New York.

The Holiday star was shopping for clothes in Lounge in the SoHo district earlier this week (ends27Apr07) when a "small army" of photographers snuck in the back entrance.

A source tells , "She was enjoying a peaceful day of shopping for some new summer dresses, jewellery and shoes when they surrounded her.

"Cameron totally freaked out, screamed and dropped the items she was going to buy and was chased through the store. She was running full speed."

Diaz is well known for her hatred of photographers and has been involved in legal disputes with the paparazzi.