BRITNEY SPEARS ACCUSED OF CHILD ABUSE

Britney Spears investigated over child abuse allegations

Britney Spears is being investigated for child abuse claims.

After reports from nannies and other staff about the troubled singer's bad parenting skills, Los Angeles family service officials are 'conducting an active investigation' into how the 26-year-old treats her two sons, Sean Preston, 23 months and Jayden James, 11 months.

The child abuse allegations were reportedly raised at an unscheduled court hearing at Los Angeles Superior court yesterday.

Britney was not present at the hearing but her lawyer Dennis Wasser was said to be there along with Mark Kaplan who represents Britney's estranged husband, Kevin Federline.

Federline – who is fighting to gain full custody of his children - has served legal papers to a succession of witnesses recently who can all allegedly testify about the singer's unpredictable behaviour.

Reports recently have claimed Britney was negligent over her children's dental care, attempting to have their teeth professionally whitened and general neglect over their dental hygiene.

In April last year child welfare officials visited Britney's Malibu mansion after she was seen driving with a four-month old Sean, sitting on her lap.

The star was reprimanded for not using a child seat, but was not charged with any offence.