Mock battle man serious after being speared in the head

The 30-year-old man was part of an Edinburgh-based company staging a medieval battle involving 150 people at the Twinwoods Arena in North Bedfordshire.

Spears, axes, swords and pikes were used in the re-enactment of the 1460 Battle of Northampton at the show in North Bedfordshire on Saturday afternoon.

Hundreds of spectators watched in horror as the man was injured during the battle at Twinwoods Arena in Clapham.

He was taken to Bedford South Wing hospital before being transferred to Addenbrokes in Cambridge where this morning his condition was described as serious but stable.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant John Walters, of Bedfordshire Police, said: "Although the incident is not being treated as malicious, it is important police have as complete a record as possible.

"The other man involved has co-operated fully with the police but is obviously very distressed and shocked."

Jim Marsh, one of the actors at the mock battle, said: "I didn’t see him get hit but I heard he caught a glancing blow from a sword or a spear.

"In all the years I have been involved in battle re-enactments, it is the first accident I have seen.

"It is safer than Sunday league football or rugby.

"The ambulance was here very quickly and we hope he will make a full recovery."

The Battle of Northampton, which took place on July 10, 1460, was part of the War of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster.

The man had travelled to Bedfordshire from Scotland with a re-enactment group called The Company of Dawn Duellists.

They were fighting on the side of the Lancasters.

The event, which took place on Saturday, was organised by the Medieval Siege Society.

On their website, the society said: "For this battle, we are going to set the acceptable authenticity timeline as England during the 1400 to 1490 period. We feel this represents a happy balance between authenticity while being inclusive of the wider 15th century re-enactment community and making it easier to get involved and have some fun."

"Please note tartan or plaids are not acceptable.

"Armour and weapons must be fit for purpose and from the 1400 to 1490 period."

It added: "Please note our safety rules and restrictions on certain weapons."

The society insists it goes to great lengths to avoid accidents and protect participants in its battles.

The statement on the website also said: "We work under extensive safety rules designed to promote the safe enjoyment of our events, both for our visitors and for ourselves.

"We carry 5M public liability insurance. Risk assessments are carried on all aspects of our recreation and can be provided easily upon request.

"All members are formally required to demonstrate that they can safely use their weapons before they are allowed to take part in any mock combat."