"Amy voluntarily attended a police station in London yesterday morning," her spokesman said in a statement.

"She was questioned by appointment in relation to an accusation made after the Berkeley Ball last year. She was charged with common assault and will attend a court hearing in the coming weeks."

London police said that the hearing would take place at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 17.

The 25-year-old bee-hived soul singer won five Grammy awards in 2008 and her second album "Back to Black" has won widespread critical acclaim.

But her private life, including a battle against drug addiction, has overshadowed her recording success.