Joshua Pascoe, who plays Ben Mitchell in Eastenders, has been arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault, according to a report.
The Sun claims 16-year-old Joshua was quizzed by officers at Wimbledon police station in south London on Thursday and freed on bail.
A source told the newspaper: "His mum (Sheree) is distraught. He's only 16, so his arrest is very upsetting for the whole family."
Met Police 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."
On Friday night, a BBC spokesman told The Sun: "We are aware of the allegations."
Joshua first appeared as the son of Phil Mitchell on the soap in December 2010. He was the fourth actor to play the role of troubled teen Ben, who has been kidnapped in the soap, abused by his father's girlfriend and clashed with his dad over being homosexual.
The character is currently caught up in a sinister storyline after he killed Heather Trott and raided her house for cash.
Joshua has lived with his father Gary in Sutton, south London since his parents separated.