Investigation Launched into Reece Richards' Arrest

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the 'unlawful arrest' of Reece Richards, a star of Netflix's Sex Education, following an incident on September 4 in Fulham, West London. Richards, who was returning home after performing in Hairspray, claimed he was mistakenly arrested by police while trying to assist them after witnessing a car crash and two suspects fleeing. He alleges that officers pepper sprayed him, kicked him, and subjected him to racial profiling, stating he did not fit the description of the suspects. Footage shared on social media shows him being restrained by multiple officers before he was de-arrested shortly after. While the Metropolitan Police admitted to using pepper spray, they have not placed any officers on leave during the ongoing investigation. Richards has expressed his determination to seek accountability for what he describes as a terrifying and traumatic experience.