DIANNE WIEST - WIEST'S DAUGHTER ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AND ROBBERY

The daughter of double OSCAR winner DIANNE WIEST has been arrested on charges of physically attacking a classmate - and stealing his iPOD.

EMILY WIEST, 17, and two teenage pals from New York's The Beekman School allegedly cornered a fourth pupil in an alleyway after a fight broke out in the playground.

The trio - who have each been charged with second-degree robbery and face a maximum of 15 years in jail - were arrested on Friday (22APR05) after reportedly punching the boy to the ground and walking off with his iPod and glasses. Detectives say the boy suffered cuts and bruises.

They have since been released on police bail and must return to Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday (28APR05).

A fellow Beekman School classmate - who does not wish to be identified - says of Emily, "I know her. She wouldn't do anything like that. She's not the nicest person but she wouldn't beat up someone smaller than her."

Emily's famous mother Dianne, 57, has won ACADEMY AWARDS for her roles in the WOODY ALLEN movies HANNAH AND HER SISTERS and BULLETS OVER BROADWAY. She has refused to comment on the charges.