Met Police officer under investigation over ‘assault and mistaken identity’ of Netflix star-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Caption: Sex Education star ‘pepper sprayed and kicked’ in ‘unlawful arrest’
credit: NETFLIX / reecejrichards

A police officer is under criminal investigation assault after arresting Sex Education star Reece Richards.

The actor claimed he was the subject of an ‘unlawful arrest’ earlier this year, the Independent Office For Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

He claimed he was ‘pepper sprayed and thrown to the ground’ on September 4 when walking back from appearing in West End musical Hairspray. He also claimed he was ‘kicked by officers.’

He has also said he was ‘mistaken for a suspect’ who he ‘did not fit the description of.’

Richards, who played Eugene on the hit Netflix show, claims the wrongful arrest came after he witnessed a crash.

He posted a statement to Instagram which said on Wednesday, 4th September between 12:38 am and 2:30 am, he was violently detained by police in Fulham on his way home.

The IOPC said the same officer was being investigated for potential gross misconduct, while a second police officer is being investigated for potential misconduct.

An IOPC spokesperson told the PA news agency: ‘Our investigation into the incident on Fulham Palace Road, West London on September 4 is ongoing.

‘The investigation is looking into the use of force by Met Police officers during the arrest of a man, who was later arrested.

‘In November, we advised an officer that they were under criminal investigation for the potential offence of common assault. The same officer is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct and a second officer is being investigated for potential misconduct.

‘This does not mean that disciplinary or criminal proceedings will necessarily follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings and whether any referral should be made to the Crown Prosecution Service.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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