Heroes star Hayden Panettiere's father Alan's domestic violence arrest was sparked after a long night of drinking, according to new reports.

Fire department lieutenant Panettiere was detained on a felony count of spousal battery in the early hours of Monday morning, following claims he assaulted his wife, former soap star Lesley. He allegedly struck the actress' mother at least twice with a fist across her left cheek, causing noticeable bruising, according to TMZ.com.

A source tells the website that Alan was "clearly" under the influence of alcohol, adding he allegedly told police upon their arrival at the scene: "I'm Alan. Yeah, I just got into an argument with my drunk wife."

The incident reportedly occurred following a fight at actress Eva Longoria's Los Angeles restaurant Beso on Sunday evening, prompting Lesley to phone police. The pair was reportedly enjoying dinner and cocktails with their daughter Hayden, her younger brother Jansen and Clint Eastwood's son Scott Reeves before they headed home.

The website also reports that Panettiere is currently being held on $50,000 bail.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)