Batman star's grief over Joker

Batman star Christian Bale allegedly attacked his mother and sister after becoming depressed about marital problems and co-star Heath Ledger's death from a drugs overdose.

The actor is alleged to have pushed and shoved his mother Jenny, 61, and sister Sharon, 40, at the Dorchester Hotel on Sunday - a day before the premiere of The Dark Knight in Leicester Square.

Bale, 34, was arrested and bailed over the assault claim after spending nearly five hours being quizzed by detectives at Belgravia police station.

A source close to the Welsh-born actor said the incident came at a time when his marriage to make-up artist Sandra "Sibi" Blazic is faltering. The source also claimed Bale had been deeply affected by the death of Ledger, who plays the Joker in the film.

He said: "He has stresses in his marriage. Instead of lashing out at his wife, he sometimes lashes out at people around him. Without Ledger around he's found it more difficult to communicate with those around him."

The actor, who recently admitted to suffering from insomnia and depression, attended the central London police station voluntarily.

His spokesman said he denied the allegations which he claimed they were made by Bale's mother and sister. However Ms Bale insisted she was not the one to call police.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said Bale was due to return in September.