Sexy pop singer Britney Spears caused chaos in New York on Friday night (17OCT03) - by performing three surprise shows at three different clubs in less than three hours.

But the 22-year-old BOYS singer's tank-top tearing routine didn't prove too appetising for everybody - her security team reportedly confiscated cameras and roughed-up photographers to keep pictures of the racy dance from coming to light before the gigs air on MTV.

Photographers on the scene tell America's NEW YORK POST of mass chaos at ultra-trendy clubs SHOW, SPLASH and AVALON, as both MTV security and Britney's crew manhandled paparazzi and fans at the unannounced events.

An eyewitness says, "It was way out of control. They went totally overboard."

One photographer called police after being put in a headlock by an MTV security guard, but reportedly decided against pressing charges. Security also grabbed a camera from a female fan, who was later seen crying, according to another photographer.

A photographer fumes, "Madonna's people don't pull this crap. Big stars just don't get physical with us."

Britney was filming an MTV special called IN THE ZONE AND OUT ALL NIGHT to promote the 15 November (03) release of her new album GET IN THE ZONE.

At each of the three clubs, Britney pulled her red tank top over her head to reveal a skimpy pink bra, which she wore as she dominated a backup dancer during her striptease.

At Avalon, the blonde beauty was briefly blindfolded and put in a leather chair as backup dancers gyrated around her.

20/10/2003 08:54