SHANE RICHIE CHARGED WITH DRINK DRIVING AFTER PETROL STATION ARGUMENT

Shane Richie has been charged with drink driving following an altercation at a petrol station in Essex. The incident occurred just after 11pm on a Wednesday evening when the EastEnders actor became involved in a dispute with staff over vaping on the forecourt. Police were called to the scene and subsequently arrested Richie. He is reported to be due in court next month.

Footage of the incident shows Richie, wearing shorts, a dark sweatshirt and a red baseball cap, arguing with a petrol station worker who challenged him about using an e-cigarette. According to reports, when told he could not vape on the forecourt, Richie responded with expletives and became argumentative with staff. A female manager told police that Richie "started getting aggressive" and began vaping. Richie had reportedly driven his white Hyundai onto the forecourt with a flat tyre. Vaping on a garage forecourt is not illegal.

The incident has resulted in a court date being scheduled for next month. A source told one outlet that Richie's behaviour was "extraordinary" and "stupid", and that staff members were initially unaware of his identity before police arrived at the scene.