Whoa. Didn't see this one coming. Just read this over at the Beeb. The PR & producer folk won't be happy with this development.

Batman star held over 'assault'

Batman star Christian Bale has been arrested by detectives investigating claims he assaulted two family members.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a 34-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an allegation of assault, and remained in custody.

Mr Bale is alleged to have lashed out at his mother and sister in his suite at London's Dorchester Hotel on Sunday.

The Welsh-born actor stars in the title role in the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight.

"A 34-year-old man attended a police station in central London by appointment and was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault - he currently remains in custody," a police spokesman said.

The Hollywood star attended the European premiere of The Dark Knight last night in London's Leicester Square.

He had been due to meet radio journalists at the Dorchester to promote the film on Tuesday afternoon.

It has been reported that the assault allegation was originally filed at a police station in Hampshire.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed it had received an allegation from another force.