Sex Education star Reece Richards expresses shock over 'unlawful arrest'

A police officer from behind
-Credit: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)


Sex Education star Reece Richards has expressed his shock after alleging he was sprayed with an incapacitating liquid by police in what he describes as an "unlawful arrest". The actor, known for his role as Eugene in the popular Netflix series, thanked fans for their support on Instagram today.

He previously claimed that he was thrown to the ground and kicked by officers in Fulham, west London, earlier this month after being mistaken for a suspect, despite not fitting the description.

Richards admitted he's still trying to process the incident and was overwhelmed by the level of support he received. In an Instagram story post, he said: "I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the support, and the outpour of love that everyone has shown."

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

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The actor confessed he's still in shock and unsure how to navigate the situation, but wanted to express his gratitude to everyone. He said: "I wasn't expecting this much support, I'm just in shock about the whole thing."

He concluded: "My mind is a little bit scattered but just thank you and stay safe."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, confirmed it received a complaint from the West End star on Thursday. They will decide if any further action is required after Richards alleged he was only stopped because he was black.

The performer described the harrowing experience as happening "just yards from my front door" after a stint in Hairspray The Musical.

In a heartfelt Instagram message, Brenda Edwards, show director and Loose Women panellist, claimed the actor was "racially profiled and violated".

Richards had earlier shared on Instagram: "I had just finished performing in Hairspray The Musical when a car crashed near me."

Explaining further, he recounted how after noting two men fled a vehicle crash, he shared this with the police only to be mistakenly targeted himself. Per Richards' account, an officer aggressively informed him of his arrest and "demanded" he hit the deck.

"I was confused, unable to understand why I was suddenly being treated like a criminal," admitted the bewildered star.

Remaining composed, he tried clarifying his identity saying, "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."

Trouble escalated quickly when more officers appeared and deployed pepper spray, then proceeded to physically subdue him.

Articulating the terrifying ordeal, Richards said, "Moments later, three more officers ran at me. They pepper sprayed me, kicked my legs out from under me, threw me to the ground and handcuffed me."

The celebrity painted a distressing picture: "In a flash, I was face-down on the pavement with multiple officers holding me down, forcing my head into the ground."

Not only did the encounter frighten him but also exacerbated existing injuries which he detailed: "I was already injured from the show, but having four officers on top of me worsened my injuries to my back, ribs and stomach."

After scrutinising the bodycam evidence, the police came to the conclusion to release him, he clarified.

Richards pinpointed the timing of the incident to be between 12.38am and 2.30am on September 4.

A video, circulated by Richards and Edwards, seemingly shows several police officers pinning an individual to the ground.

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