Winona Ryder facing theft and drug charges

Winona Ryder, the actress most recently known for her role as a troubled young woman in the 1999 film Girl, Interrupted, was arrested in Los Angeles yesterday and charged with attempting to steal clothes worth thousands of pounds from Saks Fifth Avenue, an expensive fashion store.

Police officials said Ms Ryder was charged with grand theft and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription. She was later released on bail set by the judge at $20,000 (£14,000). The shop was on Wilshire Boulevard, home to several luxury shops in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Police were called after its security staff allegedly caught her trying to make off with several items. The actress was described by the arresting officers who drove her to the station as "very courteous, polite, friendly ... a true lady".

In 1995, the actress – who is known for poignant, introspective roles – was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for Little Women. In 1994 she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Age of Innocence and won a Golden Globe for the film but was forced to drop out of Lily and the Secret Planting last year because of an illness.