Rap star DMX arrested in Florida

The US rapper has repeatedly fallen foul of the authorities

US rapper DMX is back behind bars in Miami after he was arrested for allegedly missing a court appearance in Phoenix, Arizona.

The 37-year-old - whose real name is Earl Simmons - was arrested on Tuesday on a warrant issued by a judge after he failed to show in court last week.

DMX will be returned to Phoenix, where he faces charges of drug possession, identity theft and animal cruelty.

The performer has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.

He was previously arrested in Miami in September, also for failing to appear in court in Phoenix.

The rapper's first five albums topped the US chart in their first week of release.