Bale asks for privacy over assault claims

Christian Bale: "I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter." (GETTY)

Batman star Christian Bale spoke publicly today for the first time about the assault claims made against him, and asked for privacy.

Police officers are investigating allegations that Bale lashed out at his mother Jenny Bale, 61, and sister Sharon Bale, 40, in his suite at London's Dorchester Hotel on Sunday.

The 34-year-old actor was asked about the claims today at a press conference in Barcelona to promote the record-breaking movie, The Dark Knight.

He said he preferred to focus on the film.

"It's a deeply personal matter," the Associated Press reported Bale as telling a news conference at a hotel in Barcelona.

"I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter."

Bale has denied the allegations in a statement previously issued through his lawyers.

The film, which sees the late Heath Ledger as the superhero's nemesis The Joker, opened in Barcelona at a glittering premiere last night.

Thousands of fans lined the red carpet and Bale spent about half an hour signing autographs.

The Welsh-born actor was bailed on Tuesday after being held for more than four hours by police, to a date in September, pending further inquiries.

He was arrested at Belgravia police station, in central London, earlier that day after attending by appointment.

The arrest came hours after he attended the first European screening of the blockbuster in London.

Accompanied by his wife, Sibi, the actor joined co-stars Sir Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart at the Odeon West End cinema in Leicester Square.

It is understood officers approached Bale's representatives and agreed to speak to the actor about the claims after the high-profile premiere.

The two women went to a Hampshire police station to make a formal allegation, which was then passed to the Metropolitan Police for further investigation.