Batman star calls for privacy

Batman star Christian Bale has asked for privacy after being questioned over allegations he assaulted his mother and sister in a London hotel.

The 34-year-old actor was asked about the claims 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. I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter."

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.

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 on Wednesday 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.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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