Los Angeles, Wednesday

ACTOR Robert Downey Jr, arrested after passing out in a neighbour's bed, was released from custody today after spending the night in a hospital jail ward.

Downey, 31, left the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Centre with what appeared to be a white pillowcase over his head. He was driven away, making an obscene gesture to news crews as he passed.

The Oscar-nominated actor was arrested last night after residents told police they had come home to find a man passed out in their bed. Downey lives several blocks away.

He was charged with trespassing and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He is scheduled for arraignment on August 30.

The arrest came hours after charges were filed against Downey in an earlier incident for alleged drunk driving and possession of a concealed weapon.-Reuter/AP.