Rihanna's blood-soaked dress evidence

Mar 5, 2009, 12:00 GMT

A photo released by the celebrity web site TMZ on 20 February 2009 of Rihanna\'s face with bruises, scratches and swelling from an attack allegedly at the hands of boyfriend Chris Brown, posted 19 February by TMZ. EPA/TMZ

Rihanna's blood-soaked dress is among the evidence being investigated by police for their case against Chris Brown.

The 21-year-old singer's $11,000 Gucci garment has been handed over to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office following Brown's alleged attack on Rihanna on February 8.

A source said: "The police took Rihanna's dress into evidence because it had bloodstains on it."

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has refused to comment on the claims.

Rihanna is believed to have requested an emergency protection order just hours after the alleged assault, to prevent Brown from contacting her. The order expired after five days.

Santa Monica-based criminal defence attorney Alec Rose said: "It is standard practice for police to ask the domestic violence victim at the scene of the attack whether they would like an emergency protective order keeping the attacker away."

Brown was charged with making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail following the incident and is due to attend an arraignment in Los Angeles today (05.03.09).

Rihanna reportedly told police he beat her and choked her until she was unconscious.

It has previously been reported Chris' rented Lamborghini - were the altercation took place - had traces of blood in it when it was impounded by police.

Meanwhile, reports claim Chris' attorney are conducting talks with the District Attorney which could see him enter a plea bargain in a bid to avoid going to prison.

The case was handed to the District Attorney yesterday (04.03.09), and Brown's' lawyer Mark Geragos has been discussing the matter with prosecutors since Monday (02.03.09).

It has been suggested his legal team want to strike a deal which would see him remain free if he pleads guilty to a misdemeanour, although it is unknown whether prosecutors are willing to compromise.

Rihanna did not file charges against Brown and the pair are believed to have married in secret at rapper P. Diddy's Miami mansion.

A source said: "Rihanna never had any intention of ending it with Chris. It's partly because she cares about him a lot. But another big part is that she can't bear the thought of him with another girl."