Ledger 'Batman' doll sells out in US

Heath Ledger's action figure from the new Batman movie has sold out in minutes in the US.

The 28-year-old had just finished shooting his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight when he died of an overdose of prescription drugs on January 22.

Ledger's family gave their blessing for the character to be included in a range of figures from toy company Mattel retailing at £5 each.

People have been lining up outside stores to snap up the doll as soon as it hits the shelves, reports the New York Post.

An employee of Toys R Us in Times Square said: "There are none left in the warehouse. You will be waiting a while if you want one."

Fans are believed to be buying the figures in the belief that they will become a collector's item. Some have already popped up on eBay for around £27.50 each.

The Dark Knight opens in UK cinemas in July.

> 'Dark Knight' rated for 'intense violence'