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EastEnders star Joshua Pascoe has been arrested in connection with an alleged sex assault, it has been reported.

The Sun claims that the teenager, who plays Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap, was questioned by police in Wimbledon, South London on Thursday, before being released on bail.

"His mum is distraught. He's only 16, so his arrest is very upsetting for the whole family," a source told the paper.

Scotland Yard said: "A 16-year-old boy was arrested on May 24 in connection with an allegation of sexual assault. He has been bailed to return to a North London police station on July 31."

Meanwhile, a BBC spokesman added: "We are aware of the allegations."

Pascoe, who first appeared in EastEnders in December 2010, is the fourth actor to play the role of Ben. Matthew Silver, Morgan Whittle and Charlie Jones have also portrayed the young Mitchell.

He was nominated for 'Villain of the Year' at this year's British Soap Awards but lost out to Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel (Frank Foster).

Digital Spy