Brad Pitt is being investigated for child abuse

Brad Pitt is reportedly being investigated for child abuse.

The ‘By The Sea’ actor allegedly verbally and physically abused one of his children whilst drunk on a private jet last week, an incident which led his wife Angelina Jolie to file for divorce.

A source close to the actor told TMZ: "He 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."

The Los Angeles Police Department are working with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to investigate the claims that Brad screamed at one of his children.

It is alleged that when the plane landed at eight in the evening, the 52-year-old actor continued to shout before trying to leave the airport in a fuel truck.

Brad and Angelina are said to have been interviewed by officers and there are plans for the Department of Children and Family Services to interview their six children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, eight.

Meanwhile, it was previously claimed that there was a specific "incident" in the week before Angelina called off her marriage which led to her decision to end their relationship.

A source said at the time: "The final divorce decision was only made one week ago. An incident took place and prompted Angelina to act and file."

In a recent statement, Brad said that whilst he is "very saddened" by the couple’s impending divorce, his focus is on the wellbeing of their children.

He said: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids.

"I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."