Christian Bale arrested

Jul 22, 2008, 13:50 GMT

US actor Christian Bale arrives at the UK film premiere of Christopher Nolan\'s \'The Dark Knight\' held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, Britain, 21 July 2008. The film is a follow-up to the action movie \'Batman Begins\'. Also stars Australian actor Heath Ledger\'s as the Joker, who has recently died in an accidental prescription drug overdose. In cinemas released July 24. EPA/DANIEL DEME

Christian Bale has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting his mother and sister.

'The Dark Knight' star was taken into custody today (22.07.08) following claims he attacked his 61-year-old mother Jenny and 40-year-old sister Sharon on Sunday night (20.07.08) at London's Dorchester Hotel, where he is currently staying.

Following the alleged incident, Jenny and Sharon went to a police station in Hampshire to make the allegation of assault, and the case was then referred to the Metropolitan Police.

A representative for the London force confirmed: "A 34-year-old man attended a London Police Station on Tuesday by appointment and was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault.

"He currently remains in custody."

Despite his family's claims, police allowed Christian to complete his promotion of the new Batman movie, including letting him attend the film's European premiere in London's Leicester Square last night (21.07.08).

The actor - who plays the Caped Crusader in the film - was joined by co-stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sir Michael Caine and Aaron Eckhart on the red carpet.