Christian Bale freed on bail

London/Los Angeles, July 23 (DPA) Batman star Christian Bale has been freed on bail after being questioned at a London police station over claims that he assaulted his mother and sister at a luxury hotel, Scotland Yard has said.

The 34-year-old Hollywood actor, in London for the European premiere of "The Dark Knight" Monday evening, was held for four hours by police investigating claims that he lashed out at the two women Sunday evening in his suite at the Dorchester Hotel.

Scotland Yard said the British star was released on bail to a date in September pending further inquiries. He had attended London's Belgravia police station "by appointment".

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

The two women, who live in Dorset, south-west Britain, went to police Monday to make a formal allegation.

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

A statement from Bale's representatives said that the Welsh actor "attended a London police station today (Monday) 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," the statement said.

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