Chris Brown receives death threats

Chris Brown wins for artist of the year at the 2008 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 23, 2008. [Agencies]

Chris Brown has received death threats since allegedly attacking Rihanna.

The 19-year-old singer - who has been accused of beating his ex-girlfriend earlier this month - has been left fearing for his life after receiving a series of menacing messages following the publication of a photo of a battered woman believed to be Rihanna.

A source told In Touch Weekly magazine: "Chris is scared. Not only has he probably lost his career and his girlfriend, but he's also fearing for his security and his life.

"The photo was the last straw. The threats started pouring in the moment that appeared."

Rihanna, 21, has allegedly told police Chris beat her, choked her until she passed out and threatened to kill her during an argument in Los Angeles.

Chris has been charged with making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail and is being investigated for other felonies including domestic violence and assault resulting in great bodily injury.

The source added: "He faces criminal charges and possible jail time, but he's going to have to deal with Rihanna's legion of fans and her close-knit friends in the industry."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has confirmed it is still investigating how the photograph - a close up of a young woman's face with cuts on her lips, bruises to her cheeks and forehead and a swollen nose - was leaked.

LAPD spokesman Lieutenant John Romero said: "They said they were looking into it vigorously. We are not talking about the protocols because it will relate to this investigation."

Although the LAPD has not formally identified the woman in the picture as Rihanna, they have admitted the picture appears to have been taken "during an official domestic violence investigation".