Hit my baby one more time? Spears' child abuse probe

The tedious custody battle between Britney Spears and loafing ex Kevin Federline has taken an unpleasant turn today; the singer allegedly now under investigation for 'child abuse'.

The fight centres around two offspring - 23-month-old Sean and 11-month-old Jayden James. Federline, pictured with Spears in happier times, is now pushing the claim that his ex-wife is not mentally stable enough to care for their children.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services will investigate Federline's allegations and report back with findings at a hearing on the 4th of September.

Spears' parenting has been questioned before, after photographs were taken in April '06 of her driving with a four-month-old Sean on her lap.