Articles | Batman star 'arrested for assault'

Batman star released on bail

Published: Tuesday, 22 July 2008, 2:28PM

Batman star Christian Bale has been freed after being held for more than four hours by police investigating assault claims.

Scotland Yard said the British Hollywood star was released on bail until a date in September pending further inquiries.

The 34-year-old actor was arrested at Belgravia police station, in central London, earlier after attending by appointment.

He was quizzed by detectives investigating claims he assaulted his mother and sister.

The Hollywood actor, who is currently promoting The Dark Knight in London, allegedly lashed out at the pair in his suite at Park Lane's Dorchester Hotel on Sunday.

The two women, who live in Dorset, went to a Hampshire police station on Monday to make their allegations formally.

The complaint about the actor was then passed to the Metropolitan Police for further investigation.

A statement from Bale's solicitors, London-based law firm Schillings, 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.

"Mr Bale, who denies the allegation, co-operated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question, and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the Police.

"At this time, there will be no further comment by Mr Bale."

Bale attended the European premiere of the new Batman blockbuster on Monday night and was joined by co-stars Sir Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart at the Odeon West End cinema in Leicester Square.