DMX arrested for 'false identity'

DMX has been arrested by police several times before

Rapper DMX has been arrested on suspicion he gave a false name to get out of paying for hospital medical expenses, US police said.

County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the star told Mayo Clinic in Arizona that his name was Troy Jones and failed to pay a $7,500 (£3,752) bill in April.

The star- whose real name is Earl Simmons - was arrested at a shopping centre in Phoenix on Saturday.

The 37-year-old's lawyer Cameron Morgan declined to comment.

Mr Arpaio said his office began investigating the charge after an animal neglect investigation last year at the rap star's Phoenix home.

In May he was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and drug possession after 12 apparently neglected dogs were found.

Several weapons and unspecified illegal drugs were also seized by police.

Earlier this month the musician and actor was arrested in Arizona after failing to appear in court, pay outstanding fines and for driving without a licence.

The musician has sold over 20m albums as one of the most popular stars of hip-hop in the US.

The cover of his last album, Year of the Dog... Again, which came out in 2006, featured him with a pit bull straining at the leash.

He also launched his own range of dog clothing, including caps, scarves and raincoats for canines. It was named Boomer 129 after one of his pit bulls.