Britney Spears briefly detained in California over alleged DUI

Pop icon Britney Spears was reportedly arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California, before being released hours later, according to local law-enforcement records.

Authorities in Ventura County took the 44 year old singer into custody around 9:30pm on Wednesday night.

Official records indicate that Spears was later released by Thursday morning.

Officials have not yet released detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Representatives for Spears and local law-enforcement authorities have also not publicly commented on the incident so far.

Under California law, a DUI offence can carry serious consequences. Penalties for a first offence may include suspension of the driver’s licence, probation, fines exceeding $1,000, and mandatory education programmes related to impaired driving.

The development comes only weeks after Spears was photographed driving in Los Angeles while appearing to hold a cellphone to her face.

California’s “No Touch” law prohibits drivers from physically handling a phone while operating a vehicle.

Spears, one of the most successful pop stars of her generation, rose to global fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hit songs and record-breaking albums, becoming a defining figure in modern pop culture.

Further details about the alleged DUI incident are expected to emerge as authorities release more information.