Britney 'hits town after love split'

Britney Spears is reported to be "drowning her sorrows" after splitting with her boyfriend Justin Timberlake.

The pair - who are famously celibate - are said to have had a bust-up after dating for three years, and have gone their separate ways.

According to the New York Post, the 20-year-old singer is devastated by the split and has been hitting the town. Her spokeswoman had no comment when asked about the relationship.

The newspaper claims Miss Spears hit a bar in Hollywood on Monday with American Pie 2 star and friend Tara Reid. The following night she was said to have been in another Hollywood nightspot. The paper says: "We bet it won't be long before she lands a new man."

It was recently revealed how the singer was overcome with jealousy when she watched Justin romping with another girl in his band N'Sync's music video Gone. Miss Spears said: "You could have taken a knife and stabbed me. I was devastated. It's really awkward seeing the person you love up there on this huge screen kissing somebody. I accept it because I know it's part of what we do but I can't watch it. I just go in the bathroom and shut the door."

It was also recently reported that the singer had ditched plans to get married - in favour of having fun.