NEW YORK (AP) — Two members of The Who, one of Britain's top rock music groups, were charged Sunday night with assaulting a plainclothes policeman who interrupted their performance to warn the audience to leave because of a nearby fire.

Peter Townshend, the guitarist, and Roger Daltrey, a singer, were charged with third degree assault. The maximum penalty is $1,000 fine or one year in jail. A court hearing was set for May 27.

Police said Patrolman Daniel Mulhearn mounted the stage of the Fillmore East theater Friday night after a fire broke out in the adjoining building. He was kicked and beaten, suffering a groin injury, police said.

The Who, in a statement, said: "We mistook the plainclothes policeman who was trying to warn the audience for some kind of heckler. We very much regret the whole thing."

The audience of 2,700 left without incident, after being advised of the fire by theater officials. A second Friday show was canceled.