Bale arrested over assault claims

Christian Bale had been held for more than four hours by police investigating claims of assault. (Getty)

Batman star Christian Bale was arrested today by detectives investigating claims he assaulted two family members.

The Hollywood actor was at a central London police station, sources said.

Bale, 34, is alleged to have lashed out at his mother and sister in his suite at Park Lane's Dorchester Hotel on Sunday.

The two women, who live in Dorset, went to a Hampshire police station yesterday to make a formal allegation.

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

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A 34-year-old man attended a central London police station this morning by appointment. He was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault. He currently remains in custody."

Bale was arrested just hours after he attended the first European screening of the new Batman blockbuster, The Dark Knight.

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

Bale, a keen environmental activist and martial arts enthusiast, also starred in American Psycho, Empire Of The Sun and Batman Begins.