Investigation launched over Brad Pitt 'mid-air meltdown' in front of children

Brad Pitt is allegedly being investigated by the LAPD and LA county department of children and family services, who are said to be looking into an incident that reportedly took place on a private jet on 14 September. The reports come just two days after the actor's divorce from Angelina Jolie was announced.

According to TMZ, Pitt, 52, was seen "ranting" on an airport's tarmac after the aircraft had landed at approximately 8pm. It is believed that someone either on the plane or the tarmac anonymously reported the incident to the department of children and family services.

Jolie, 41, and Pitt have reportedly been interviewed by the department and there are allegedly plans to speak to their six children. The couple have six children, adopted and biological: Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, eight.

The LAPD are also reportedly involved in the case.

However, a source close to Pitt denied the allegations on behalf of the actor. The insider said: "[Pitt] takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children. It's unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light."

Jolie filed for divorce on 20 September and asked the judge for physical custody of their children with Pitt allowed visitation rights. The actress cited "irreconcilable differences" and listed their official separation date as 15 September. The couple married in August 2014 but began dating in 2004 after meeting on the set of their action movie Mr & Mrs Smith.

Addressing their split in a statement released to People, Pitt said: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."