Christian Bale has been released on bail following assault accusations made by his mother and sister. 'The Dark Knight' star voluntarily went to be interviewed yesterday in response to allegations apparently lodged by his mother Jenny and sister Sharon.

Bale, who denies the charges, was questioned for four hours and required to supply his fingerprints, DNA saliva sample and a photograph. He was then released on bail without charge, but must report back to police in September. An altercation between the Batman star and members of his family reportedly took place on Sunday night in Bale's suite at London's Dorchester Hotel.

Actor Christian Bale poses for photographers as he arrives for the premiere of the film The Dark Knight in New York July 14, 2008.

Bale's mother Jenny, 61, and sister Sharon, 40, promptly checked out of the hotel and returned to Dorset in Southern England. Details of the assault are not known but it is believed Jenny claims she was pushed over during the argument. Jenny said yesterday: "Yes there was a family situation but the police are handling it and I cannot say any more at the moment. We didn't call the police to the scene. I can't say any more but we didn't call the police." It has now been claimed Bale lost his temper because Jenny insulted his wife Sibi Blazic.

A source told the MailOnline website: "Christian was stressed, but he didn't lay a finger on anyone. Instead, he flew off the handle and cussed his mother. He just got very loud because his mother was saying some very outrageous things about him, and his wife. "Christian's attitude is that this was his mother's fault because she became very provocative in an argument they were having.

Things got out of control and he now says he wishes he just left the room." Bale is said to be suffering problems in his marriage to Sibi and has been depressed following the death of his 'The Dark Knight' co-star Heath Ledger in January.

A source said: "He has stresses in his marriage. He can have a terrible temper. Instead of lashing out at his wife, he sometimes lashes out at people around him. Without Ledger around he's found it more and more difficult to communicate with those around him, especially his family."

(CRI July 24, 2008)