Washington, Feb 10 : Amid a probe into Chris Brown's alleged assault on Rihanna, reports now suggest that the fight between the two started after the `Umbrella' hitmaker accused him of flirting with other women.

Sources say that Rihanna's accusation led to a heated argument, after which Brown punched her on the face.

The duo was in Brown's Lamborghini sports car when the horrific incident took place around 12:30 am at L. A. Hancock park area.

Rihanna, who was left with a bruised face, split lip and bite marks on her body, was rushed to hospital after dialing 911 from the hired car.

Brown, however, fled to a hotel before surrendering to cops.

"Rihanna was distraught, she had bruises on her face, a bloody nose and sore lip. She was interviewed by police at the hospital before being released a few hours later," Fox News quoted a source as saying.

Brown, who is being investigated for alleged "domestic violence and felony battery", was charged with suspicion of making criminal threats, and was later released on
50,000 dollars bail.

If found guilty, Brown could face a nine-year jail term.

Meanwhile, a source has revealed that Rihanna is short-tempered and easily gets into arguments.

"She's got a temper, and she can get right in your face," the source said. (ANI)