US rapper DMX has been arrested for the third time in as many months over suspicion he gave a false name to avoid paying hospital expenses.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is understood to have presented himself as Troy Jones during a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Police officials in Phoenix also said that the rapper, who was arrested on Saturday in a shopping centre, had failed to pay a $7,500 medical bill in April.

Simmons was arrested earlier this month after he failed to appear in court and for driving without a license.

He was also taken into custody in May on suspicion of animal cruelty after dogs were found neglected at his home.

A spokesperson for the rapper has declined to comment on his latest arrest.

(by Jason Gregory)