Britney seeks restraining order against 'stalker'

Britney Spears has asked to have a restraining order imposed against a 41-year-old Japanese man she claims has been stalking her since September.

According to a petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Masahiko Shizawa has "tracked and attempted to contact" Spears at her home in Los Angeles, at her second residence and at one of her parents' homes, both outside California.

Those attempts have ranged from sending photos of himself along with notes reading, "I'm chasing you", to showing up at Spears's home and refusing to leave when he was ordered off the property, the complaint alleges.

Spears's lawyer, Joel Strote, asked to have Shizawa, of Yokohama, Japan, barred from coming within 1,000ft of the 21-year-old singer and from contacting her in any way.

Judges are typically willing to grant temporary restraining orders on the basis of such allegations, particularly when they involve celebrities.

But it is unclear whether Spears's request has been granted, and Mr Strote could not be reached for comment.

A hearing will need to be held to make the injunction permanent.

Spears's publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said she had not discussed the situation with her client. "I can't really comment for security reasons," she said.