Police watchdog launches probe into Sex Education star arrest

The police watchdog has today launched a formal investigation into the 'unlawful arrest' of Sex Education star Reece Richards who claimed he was pepper sprayed and kicked by officers earlier this month.

Richards revealed he is 'still in shock' following the incident when, after performing in Hairspray The Musical in Milton Keynes, he witnessed a car crash just yards from his home in Fulham, West London, on September 4.

Three men jumped out of the vehicle as police gave chase, but Mr Richards was mistaken for one of the suspects and arrested.

Today the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed to MailOnline that it would be launching an investigation into what happened.

In a statement, an IOPC spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that we will be independently investigating an incident where a man was arrested by the Met Police and PAVA sprayed on Fulham Palace Road, West London on 4 September. 

'The man, who we understand received minor injuries, was dearrested at the scene.

'Our investigation follows a complaint referral from the Met Police after the man complained about his arrest and the use of force, and also alleged that he was only stopped because he was Black.'

The decision to press ahead with an investigation comes a day after the Met Police referred itself to the IOPC over the incident.

The Met Police said tonight: 'A voluntary referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after a complaint was received in relation to the arrest of a man following an incident in Fulham Palace Road, SW6 in the early hours of 4 September.

'We have been informed that the IOPC have launched an independent investigation.

'None of the officers are subject to restrictions; this will be kept under review whilst the investigation is ongoing.'

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Black Sex Education star warns fans to 'stay safe' after he was 'kicked and pepper sprayed by cops'

In an emotional Instagram post, Mr Richards said he feared he was the victim of 'racial profiling' describing the incident as a 'terrifying and traumatic experience'.  

Footage shared by the actor appears to show him being told to 'stay where you are' with Met Police admitting that pepper spray was used.

He then claims to have been 'kicked' to the ground and 'handcuffed' by officers who briefly detained him. 

The force added that a 'Taser was pointed but not discharged' before he was dearrested shortly after when it became clear he was just a bystander.

Yesterday, Mr Richards warned fans in a statement on Instagram to 'stay safe' and thanked fans for their support.

He went on to say he was 'still trying to figure this out' and added he 'wasn't expecting this much support'.

Mr Richards said in a post on his Instagram story: 'I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the support, and the outpour of love that everyone has shown. 

'Sorry I haven't said anything or got back to anyone, I'm still trying to figure this out, it's just weird.

'I guess I'm still in shock and I don't know how to navigate the situation, but first and foremost I just wanted to say thank you to everyone.

'I wasn't expecting this much support, I'm just in shock about the whole thing.

'My mind is a little bit scattered but just thank you and stay safe.'

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Hairspray tour 'strongly condemns racism' after black star was 'kicked and pepper sprayed' by police

Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, who is the director of the show, alleged he was 'racially profiled and violated' in an Instagram post. 

Meanwhile, Leontine Hass, a former drama teacher of Mr Richards who lives on the same street as him, said she was woken up by the incident and rushed down to see what was happening. 

Acting coach Ms Hass described the incident as 'incredibly distressing' and said that Mr Richards was not offering any resistance to the officers.

Ms Hass told LBC: 'Three of them were holding him down on the ground. 

'This went on for a very long time. 

'He'd been pepper sprayed. He couldn't see anything.

'He was incredibly distressed because he was blinded. 

'His mother was trying to intervene, trying to talk to them. 

'I was trying to talk to them, saying he's a student of mine. I know him.'

The Hairspray tour has released a statement 'strongly condemning racism' following the incident involving one of their actors.

A statement from the official Hairspray UK Tour said: 'We stand in full support and solidarity with Reece Richards, a valued member of our cast who was wrongfully targeted by the Met Police whilst making his way home after a performance of Hairspray The Musical. 

'We strongly condemn any form of racism and discrimination. 

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BREAKING NEWS
Sex Education star is 'pepper sprayed and kicked by police' as he accuses Met of 'unlawful arrest'

'We are in close contact with Reece and are offering him our full support during this difficult time.' 

While under arrest, the actor asked his mother, who was with him at the time, to call family friend Ms Edwards.

He claimed that after Ms Edwards arrived at the scene around 20 minutes later the officers' attitude shifted 'immediately'.  

Posting to social media, Ms Edwards said: 'Reece Richards who is currently playing one of the leads in my production and has never been in trouble with the law, was racially profiled and violated, just after getting back to London from me watching him and the fabulous cast in Milton Keynes. 

'He told the police that he had just performed in Milton Keynes so it couldn't be him and the fact he had a massive suitcase with him and the cast on FaceTime was totally ignored.

'This was such a distressing experience to witness. Conversations sadly still need to be had.'   

In a statement posted on social media, where he posted video footage of the incident, Mr Richards said: 'I was confused, unable to understand why I was suddenly being treated like a criminal. 

'Calmly, I explained that I was a performer returning from a show, but one officer yelled, 'Get to the floor or I'll pepper spray you'.

'They pepper-sprayed me, kicked my legs out from under me, threw me to the ground, and handcuffed me. 

'In a flash, I was face-down on the pavement with multiple officers holding me down, forcing my head into the ground. 

'I was already injured from the show, but having four officers on top of me worsened my injuries to my back, ribs, and stomach. 

'I couldn't see anything, but I could hear my mum nearby, screaming and crying, begging them to let me go.'

Mr Richards went on to describe the experience as 'embarrassing, deeply upsetting, and exhausting'.

He added: 'It has left me questioning everything I thought I knew about justice. Suddenly, my understanding of right and wrong feels completely upended.'

The Met Police said the driver, aged 15 was arrested at the scene for failing to stop, dangerous driving and burglary. 

It added that two passengers, aged 20 and 21, had run off but were located nearby.

They were both was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, while the 20-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a pointed or bladed article. 

As a precaution, the pair were taken to hospital where their injuries were assessed as not being life-threatening or life-changing.  

A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline on Tuesday: 'We are aware of a video circulating on social media of a man being detained in the Fulham area. 

'Officers often find themselves in dynamic, challenging situations and have to make split-second judgements on which course of action to take.

'Officers had been pursuing three men who had run out of a car that had crashed in Fulham Palace Road after it failed to stop for police. 

'It is clear the man shown in the footage was an innocent bystander and he was dearrested as soon as this was established by officers at the scene.

'All officers know any use of force must be proportionate and reasonable and they understand their actions will be scrutinised.

'A complaint has been received in relation to his arrest. 

'This is currently being assessed by officers from the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), along with other material including the officers' body worn video footage.

'None of the officers involved are subject to restrictions at this time.'