Menu
24/05/2005
Two people suffer burns in mock 'Star Wars' fight
Two people are critically ill in hospital after an apparent attempt to recreate a ‘Star Wars’ lightsaber fight went tragically wrong.
Police said that a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman had been found in woodland in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, suffering from severe burns. The pair were taken to hospital in Chelmsford, Essex and are described as being in a critical condition - it was reported that the man had suffered more than 40% burns to his body.
It is believed that the pair had attempted to fill a fluorescent light tube with fuel, before setting it alight, in order to recreate the weapon made famous in the hit sci-fi films.
Police said that they do not know the exact circumstances of the incident, but said that glass tubes and traces of a flammable substance had been found at the scene. It is thought that one of the devices may have exploded, setting fire to the pair’s clothing.
It was also reported that a videotape had been found at the scene and police believe they may also have been filming themselves at the time.
The accident comes just days after the sixth and final film in the ‘Star Wars’ series, ‘Revenge of The Sith’ opened in cinemas to tremendous acclaim. One of the main scenes in the film features a lightsaber battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan MacGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).
(KMcA/SP)
Police said that a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman had been found in woodland in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, suffering from severe burns. The pair were taken to hospital in Chelmsford, Essex and are described as being in a critical condition - it was reported that the man had suffered more than 40% burns to his body.
It is believed that the pair had attempted to fill a fluorescent light tube with fuel, before setting it alight, in order to recreate the weapon made famous in the hit sci-fi films.
Police said that they do not know the exact circumstances of the incident, but said that glass tubes and traces of a flammable substance had been found at the scene. It is thought that one of the devices may have exploded, setting fire to the pair’s clothing.
It was also reported that a videotape had been found at the scene and police believe they may also have been filming themselves at the time.
The accident comes just days after the sixth and final film in the ‘Star Wars’ series, ‘Revenge of The Sith’ opened in cinemas to tremendous acclaim. One of the main scenes in the film features a lightsaber battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan MacGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 August 2014
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
25 March 2013
Life For Horror Fan Who Killed Best Friend
A 42-year-old man has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years for the murder of a friend, in a scene which mirrored one of his favourite horror films. Gary George tortured and mutilated 53-year-old Andrew Nall in a what was described as a "cruel and sadistic" attack. Chester Crown Court heard that George was obsessed with witchcraft and horror films.
Life For Horror Fan Who Killed Best Friend
A 42-year-old man has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years for the murder of a friend, in a scene which mirrored one of his favourite horror films. Gary George tortured and mutilated 53-year-old Andrew Nall in a what was described as a "cruel and sadistic" attack. Chester Crown Court heard that George was obsessed with witchcraft and horror films.
13 October 2003
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
29 August 2014
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with a few showers at times. Becoming dry in the afternoon and staying mainly cloudy, but some sunshine breaking through particularly in the east. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but clear spells most likely towards Down and Antrim, becoming widespread through the evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
