Britney Spears spends night in cells after being arrested in California

Britney Spears has spent the night in custody after being arrested.

The star was detained by highway patrol officers at 9.28pm on Wednesday and released at 6.07am, according to Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

Its online records give Spears' height as 5ft 5ins and her occupation as "celebrity".

She has been scheduled to appear in court on 4 May.

Various US media reports say she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California.

Her representative said after the news emerged that her arrest was "completely inexcusable" and the incident "can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life".

In a statement they said: "This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable.

"Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life.

"Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.

"Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being."

Ventura County, where she was arrested, is an area to the north of Los Angeles that's home to many celebrities.

The singer went through a high-profile court battle in 2021 to end the legal arrangement that had allowed her father to control her freedom and finances due to concerns over her mental health.

Spears has been musically inactive for years and has not released an album for a decade.

However, her hits such as Toxic and Baby One More Time remain popular and last month it was reported she had sold the rights to her work.

Sources told TMZ the deal was in the ballpark of the $200m (£150m) deal signed by Justin Bieber when he sold his back catalogue.

Such agreements allow a company to license the performer's music for use in adverts, films, TV and gaming.

(c) Sky News 2026: Britney Spears spends night in cells after being arrested in California