Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's twins pictured playing amid couple's divorce battle

While Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie fans were worried about the couple's children amid their divorce battle, their eight-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne, were pictured playing at the family's rented property in Malibu on 28 September.

A series of photos released by x17online, shows the twins relaxed as they stepped out of their mansion under the guardianship of Jolie's brother James Haven. They were also accompanied by their nanny. According to the website, Knox was busy capturing sunset pictures on a mobile phone while Vivienne was giving her twin company.

Fans had gone into a tizzy after the much sought-after couple from Hollywood, announced their divorce in mid-September citing irreconcilable differences. The high-profile separation has sparked numerous rumours regarding the cause of the crisis in the family, which seemed perfect in the public eye.

But amid the gossip, there were concerns about the couple's six children, Maddox, 14; Pax, 12; Zahara, 11; Shiloh, 9, and twins Vivienne and Knox. But, the rare sight of the couple's twins appearing content may be a sign that the 41-year-old Maleficent actress and Pitt are taking extreme precautions to keep their children unaffected by their divorce battle.

Meanwhile, reports claim Pitt submitted to drug tests voluntarily as part of an investigation following claims that the actor was verbally abusive towards one of his children.

New reports have also emerged that Jolie has hired legendary crisis manager Judy Smith to have a smooth legal separation from the 52-year-old Allied actor.

"Judy has been asked to consult with those working with Angelina on divorce negotiations. Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet," a source told the People.

Smith has inspired Shonda Rhimes to create the iconic television character, Olivia Pope, for the ABC hit series Scandal.