Christian Bale released on bail

Batman actor Christian Bale, pictured with wife Sibi at Monday’s premiere of The Dark Knight, was arrested by London police yesterday for an alleged assault on his mother and sister said to have taken place in the suite of his London hotel, the Dorchester, Park Lane, on Sunday. The actor, who was spared arrest on Monday so that he could attend the West End premiere with leading actors, including Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sir Michael Caine, voluntarily attended Belgravia police station. After four hours of questioning he was released on bail until September pending further inquiries.

Bale’s mother, Jenny, 61, and sister, Sharon, 41, who live in Dorset, are said to have made the assault allegation against Bale, 34, at a police station in Hampshire on Monday. The matter was referred to the Metropolitan Police. They claim that he "lashed out" at them on Sunday night at the hotel.

Sharon originally denied knowing anything about it, but then told reporters: "OK, there was an incident but the police are dealing with it. It is an extremely sensitive situation. There is nothing more I can say." Bale’s mother said: "Yes I was there and yes there was a family situation but the police are handling it and I cannot say any more at the moment. We didn't call the police to the scene." (Continued below)

A statement issued through Bale’s lawyers said: "Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister. Bale, who denies the allegation, co-operated throughout, and left the station without any charge being made against him by police."