Bale bailed

Batman star Christian Bale has been released on bail until September and allowed to fly back to the US following four hours of questioning yesterday.

The Hollywood hunk was held for four hours at a London police station yesterday following allegations that he assaulted his mother and sister, who live in Dorset.

Police allowed the brooding actor to attend press conferences and the premiere of his new film The Dark Knight before asking him to come to the station.

Christian's mum and sister have refused to comment, but sister Sharon (40) shouted "it's a family matter" to awaiting press from her window at her home in Corfe Mullen.

Although the reasons surrounding the incident are unknown, sources close to the 34-year-old actor claim that he has been very depressed since the shock death of his friend Heath Ledger, who plays the Joker in the Batman film, in January.

"They had become very close during the making of The Dark Knight and Christian went into virtual hiding for the six weeks after Heath was found dead," a source told the Daily Mail.
"He expected to share this moment with his friend, and now he can't."