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On September 17, 2024, actor Reece Richards took to Instagram to inform his fans about his alleged unlawful arrest and police misconduct, which took place in Fulham, West London. The incident took place on September 4, 2024, after the actor witnessed a car crash with two males fleeing the scene before the police confused him for being involved in the crash.
In the video Reece Richards shared on Instagram, he was threatened to stay where he was by an officer holding a pepper spray. Apart from Reece's fans, prominent celebrities like Beverly Knight, Layton Williams, and Billy Luke Nevers commented on the actor's Instagram post, showing their discontent with the incident.
Beverly Knight questioned the Met Police, while Layton Williams asked the authorities to correct their mistake:
"I just saw this. I am so sorry Reece. My god @metpolice_uk when in the HELL are you going to stop with this? You treat Black and Brown lads as a threat no matter WHAT they do or say!" Beverly stated.
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"I never imagined it would happen to me": Reece Richards mentions in account narrating alleged unlawful arrest
In the account of the alleged unlawful arrest and police misconduct uploaded on Instagram, Reece Richards called himself a victim and stated that the incident took place a few yards from his front door. He also stated:
"I've heard stories about incidents like this, but I never imagined it would happen to me. This is my story."
Recalling the incident, Reece mentioned that he had finished performing in Hairspray, the musical, when a car crashed near him. He saw two men running, wherein one ran in the actor's direction.
The S*x Education star realized that police were chasing the men and guided them in their direction. However, Reece claimed that despite hearing him, the police officer stated that he was under arrest and demanded he get on the ground.
Talking about how he was pepper sprayed, thrown to the ground with his legs kicked from under him, and handcuffed, Reece mentioned:
"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."
Reece Richards mentioned that he asked his mother to call the director of Hairspray, Brenda Edwards, who arrived at the scene within 20 minutes. Reece claimed that Brenda's presence changed the attitude of the police officers, and they agreed to release the actor after reviewing body cam footage.
Toward the end of his account of the incident, Reece Richards mentioned that he has filed a formal complaint with the Met Police and IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct). Additionally, in his caption, the actor thanked everyone who helped him and stated that he wouldn't rest till he got to the bottom of the incident.
He concluded the caption by mentioning that he is "deeply saddened for anyone else who has been through this."
