Hugh Hefner's Son Marston -- ARRESTED for Attacking Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair

Hugh Hefner's oldest son Marston Hefner was arrested last night after he allegedly attacked his Playmate of the Year girlfriend Claire Sinclair ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops were called to the pad Marston shares with Sinclair in Pasadena, CA after one of Sinclair's family members called 911, claiming Marston had attacked her.

Cops arrived to the scene ... and we're told officers observed visible injuries on Sinclair's body ... including bruises and red marks.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Marston admitted the two had gotten into an argument ... but did not cop to striking Sinclair.

Sources tell us ... Sinclair told cops Marston had punched her, kicked her in the stomach and then refused to let her leave the residence. We're told Sinclair called family members after the alleged attack ... and her family called the cops.

After a brief investigation, Marston was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence at around 11:15 PM ... and hauled to a nearby police station where he was booked.

Marston was released on $20,000 bail a few hours later.