Former Melrose Place star Heather Locklear has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after displaying bizarre behaviour while driving in a wealthy community in California on the weekend.

The American actress, who recently left a medical treatment centre where she had been treated for depression, was arrested after driving erratically, revving her engine loudly and repeatedly backing over a pair of sunglasses in a parking lot in the exclusive enclave of Montecito in Santa Barbara, about 4.30pm on Saturday.

Police said a witness reported that Locklear, who she hadn’t recognised, had stopped on a nearby highway and got out of her car, apparently stumbling into traffic.

"The witness called 911 because she was concerned for Locklear's safety," California Highway Patrol spokesman Tom Marshall told the US celebrity magazine People. "When a CHP officer arrived, Locklear was found seated inside her vehicle, which was partially blocking the roadway."

He said Ms Locklear appeared to be "disoriented and impaired" and was taken to a local police station and given tests for drug and alcohol.

"Alcohol was ruled out as a factor, but based on the officer's observations, we believed Locklear was under the influence of prescription medication," Mr Marshall added. He said the actress co-operated with police.

Ms Locklear was charged with driving under the influence of prescription drugs and released at 11pm on £2700 ($US5000) bail.

In a mug shot released by police Locklear, who turned 47 last Thursday, appeared dishevelled and had black mascara running down her face.

Ms Locklear gained TV stardom in the 1980s drama Dynasty, and went on to play the resident bitch in the popular 1990s drama Melrose Place. She has more recently starred in Spin City.

It is not the first time this year she has been in trouble. In March paramedics were called to Ms Locklear’s house after a psychiatrist feared she was despondent.

It turned out to be a false alarm, but in April the actress checked herself into a treatment facility in Arizona battling anxiety and depression.

She checked out a month later.

Last year, she got a divorce from Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora after 11 years of marriage. They have a daughter, Ava Elizabeth.

Ms Locklear is the latest in a string of celebrities who have fallen foul of prescription drug abuse. Britney Spears's very public breakdown earlier this year was attributed in part to her addiction to prescription drugs, and Robbie Williams was last year admitted to rehab for his dependency.

Heath Ledger, the Australian actor, died tragically in January after accidentally overdosing on anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills, prescribed by doctors.

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