As the troubled singer checked into rehab for the third time in a week, Britney's dad, Jamie Spears, opened up about the family's increasing worry for her wellbeing.

"We've got a sick little girl - we're just trying to take care of her," he told a US news channel.

Britney checked into California's Promises Malibu Treatment Centre last Tuesday, but quit in the early hours of Wednesday, before later checking in again on the same day.

Britney, 25, was spotted visiting a top Los Angeles lawyer on Wednesday following reports her ex, Kevin Federline, had requested an emergency custody hearing over their two sons, Sean Preston, 17 months, and Jayden James, five months.

Later in the day, Britney drove to Kevin's home - where he was looking after their children - only to get no answer when she rung the door bell.

Witnesses then saw the star attack a photographer with an umbrella, which she also used to hit a parked car near Kevin's home, which she believed belonged to photographers.

An eye witness said: "She ran at the guy as he took her picture and kept swinging the umbrella at him. It hadn't been so sad it would have been like a comedy sketch."

NEW IDEA has the exclusive rights to the images of the attack on the photographer, be sure to pick up your copy of next week's New Idea on sale MARCH 5.

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