Rihanna opens up to police

Rihanna has reportedly told police she was in an "ongoing and escalating abusive relationship" with Chris Brown.

The 'Umbrella' singer - who is believed to have suffered a bloody nose, facial bruising and a split lip after Chris allegedly attacked her in his car on Sunday (08.02.09) - is said to have opened up to the police about the nature of her violent relationship with the 19-year-old singer.

According to gossip website TMZ, Rihanna has confirmed Sunday's argument started when Chris - who has been charged with making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail - received a text message from another girl.

As the row escalated Chris began hitting her. She then ordered him to drive her home before "faking" a call to a friend, during which she said things like: "He's dropping me off. Make sure the cops are there."

The singer claims the call make Chris even angrier, causing him to shout:

"You are really f***ed up now. I'm going to kill you."

He then began beating her with his fists.

Police are now said to be investigating whether Chris previously hurt Rihanna.

Officers are also allegedly looking into whether Chris caused Rihanna's scratched cornea - which forced her to wear an eye patch - last year.

A police source said: "We're investigating if her eye injury could have been caused by Brown.

"There could be an innocent explanation - but police believe Rihanna has previously refused to make a complaint against Brown. She is now being asked about her previous injuries and is beginning to open up about incidents in their relationship."

A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) source added: "We're talking to her friends and management, who say she's appeared with mysterious marks or injuries before, but always refused to explained what happened."

Chris Brown's cousin has spoken out in support of the star, insisting he must have been "provoked" into the alleged attack.

Phylicia Thompson said: "Chris was not brought up to beat on a woman. So it had to be something to provoke him for Chris to do it. He wouldn't have done it just to be having fun...But what happens behind closed doors, nobody ever knows.

"He might feel down right now because his fans are looking down on him, like he's done something wrong. Of course, yes, he's done something wrong because he put his hands on her, but like I said, you don't know what happened."