The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has ruled that Metropolitan Police officers acted reasonably during the mistaken arrest of actor Reece Richards, who was wrongly identified as a suspect in a police chase in Fulham, west London, in September 2024.
Richards, known for his role as Eugene in the Netflix series Sex Education, said he was sprayed, kicked and thrown to the ground just yards from his home after returning from a performance of Hairspray The Musical.
The IOPC has now confirmed there will be no disciplinary proceedings, finding “no indication” of misconduct or racial discrimination.
The Incident
- Date: 4 September 2024
- Location: Fulham Palace Road, West London
- Context: Met officers were pursuing a wanted vehicle that crashed. Suspects fled on foot.
- Description Given: One male suspect wearing dark clothing
CCTV footage showed Richards walking nearby when a suspect ran past him, followed by police. Richards dropped his bag and ran in the opposite direction, at which point a lone officer detained him, mistakenly believing he matched the description.
Despite not discharging his spray, backup officers arrived and during a struggle, PAVA spray was deployed and Richards was handcuffed.
The IOPC said Richards was de-arrested 14 minutes later, once it was confirmed he was not involved.
Statements from Key Figures
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe:
“Mr Richards was an innocent bystander and this would have been a frightening experience… However, officers were responding to a fast-moving incident with limited information. Their actions were reasonable under the circumstances.”
Reece Richards (via Instagram):
“I was the victim of an unlawful arrest. I was confused, unable to understand why I was suddenly being treated like a criminal… I was pepper sprayed, kicked, and thrown to the ground.”
Richards also described suffering injuries to his back, ribs, and stomach worsened by the force used during the arrest.
Met Commander Owain Richards:
“We are pleased the IOPC determined the officers acted in good faith… That said, we recognise how distressing this must have been and are open to meeting Mr Richards should he wish to discuss the incident.”
No Evidence of Racial Bias
The IOPC found no indication that Mr Richards was targeted due to his race, despite his belief that being a Black man contributed to his mistaken arrest. Investigators reviewed body-worn video, CCTV, and witness statements, and consulted internal discrimination advisors.
What This Means
The case has reignited public discussion around racial profiling, use of force, and the rights of bystanders caught in police operations. While the IOPC’s findings clear the officers involved, it has sparked debate on whether deeper changes are needed in policing strategy and public trust.
