Britney's dad Jamie Spears has spoken out about her troubled state, admitting: "We've got a sick little girl".

Talking to reporters outside the family's Louisiana home, he added, "We're just trying to take care of her".

His comments come in the light of Britney's third trip to rehab in a week - the popstar admitted herself into Promises treatment centre again yesterday morning (February 22) after her ex, Kevin Federline agreed to drop an emergency custody hearing on the condition she gets help.

And more details of the run-up to Brit's third visit to a treatment clinic in a week have since emerged.

The mum of two was reportedly so distraught when she found about K-Fed's original court plans that she raced to his home on Wednesday night (Feb 21) to talk - followed by a pack of paparazzi.

Shocking video and photographic evidence of the star on X17online.com shows her losing her rag with the paps, telling them to "f*ck off" and battering one of their vehicles with an umbrella.

Many say the images show a star close to the edge.

Worried friends of the singer have also revealed drugs may have played a part in her current state.

Amanda Alexander, sister of Brit's husband of 55 hours, Jason Alexander, said, "When I was around her she took ecstasy" and another childhood pal, Kent Smith said, "She does like to party. I've been there when ecstasy and cocaine were handed around."

Anonymous sources have even told US tabloid National Enquirer that Britney has twice tried to commit suicide in the past week - once by threatening to overdose on anti-depressant pills and once by walking out into a busy road.

Brit's reps have not confirmed this story.

Here's wishing her all the best with her treatment...

'SLJ'