'Dark Knight' star released on bail

Christian Bale has been freed from police custody after four hours of questioning regarding assault claims.

The Dark Knight star was arrested earlier today following allegations that he "lashed out" at his mother Jenny and sister Sharon at London's Dorchester Hotel on Sunday night.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the Welsh-born actor has been released on bail to a date in September pending further inquiries.

Bale's initial arrest by appointment was reportedly delayed so as not to disrupt last night's premiere of the latest Batman film.