Ex-Eastenders star arrested at Stansted

Former EastEnders star Sid Owen was arrested and banned from boarding a flight after arguing with check-in staff, police said today.

Police were called to the Ryanair check-in desk at Stansted Airport after the actor, who played mechanic Ricky Butcher in the soap, began shouting at staff as he was preparing to board the 11.05am flight to Poitiers on Saturday.

According to police sources, Owen, aged 32, lost his temper when he was asked to remove his sunglasses so that staff could check his identity.

As he was walking off, a member of staff noticed he had two items of hand luggage.

As passengers are only allowed to carry one piece of luggage on to the plane, Owen was asked to go back to check-in where he again began shouting and swearing at the check-in assistant.

He was arrested by police and banned from taking the flight.

A police spokeswoman said: “A 32-year-old man was arrested at Stansted Airport in the terminal for public order offences. He was given a police caution.”

An airport spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that Sid Owen was involved in an incident at the airport on Saturday.”