LEE RYAN - EX-BLUE STAR 'ARRESTED'

Former Blue singer Lee Ryan was arrested after allegedly attacking a taxi driver on New Year's Eve, it has been reported.

The 24-year old was on his way to party when he was involved in a minor traffic collision.

According to the Sun, tempers flared following the crash, causing the taxi driver to radio his operator who in turn phoned the police.

Ryan was then taken to a nearby police station for questioning.

A friend told the Sun newspaper: "Lee was going to a party and there was a bit of a crash, nothing big, but he lost his temper.

"A taxi driver got the brunt of it and then the law turned up and nicked Lee. He was stuck in a patrol car... it did not improve his mood and ruined his New Year's Eve."

Ryan has suffered numerous run-ins with the paparazzi and received a court order in May 2004 to pay £200 compensation for criminal damage after smashing two photographers' cameras.

A Surrey police spokeswoman confirmed the New Year's Eve incident today, saying: "A 24-year-old man was arrested and taken to Reigate police station on December 31 following an incident in Westerham Road, Oxted.

"He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries."