Reece Richards, a well-known actor from the Netflix show Sex Education, has filed a formal complaint against the Metropolitan Police after a harrowing incident in west London. Richards, who was returning home after a performance in the musical Hairspray, witnessed a car crash and attempted to help by pointing out the direction in which two men had fled. However, instead of assisting him, he claims that four officers sat on him, exacerbating injuries to his back, ribs, and stomach.
The Metropolitan Police have admitted to using pepper spray during the incident and have informed their directorate of professional standards to investigate the matter. Richards, who has accused the force of racial profiling, also stated that a Taser was pointed at him before he was de-arrested.
In a statement on Instagram, Richards expressed his deep distress over the incident, recounting how he was forcefully held down by officers while his mother cried nearby. He vowed to uncover the truth behind the incident and shed light on the issue of racial profiling in police interactions.
The Hairspray UK Tour, in which Richards was a part of, showed their support for him, condemning racism and offering him their full support during this challenging time. The Metropolitan Police have arrested the driver involved in the car crash, as well as two passengers who fled the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has not yet received a referral from the Metropolitan Police regarding the incident. As the investigation unfolds, Richards and his supporters are hopeful for justice and accountability in this troubling situation.
