Man rushed to hospital after being pierced by sword in battle re-enactment gone wrong

A 37-year-old man was rushed to hospital after suffering a terrifying head injury during a battle re-enactment - and he remains in a serious condition. Despite wearing body armour, his opponent's sword pierced the Horsham man's visor at the display at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, just before 3pm on Sunday.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which was seen by a large crowd including children, who have been left shocked by the horrifying ordeal. Detective Inspector Barry Chandler said: "A man was unfortunately injured during the combat re-enactment. We are treating the incident as an accident and we are offering support to his family.

"His opponent, a 36-year-old man also from Horsham, and the organisers are helping us with our enquiries.

"We know the re-enactment had drawn a large crowd and understand that anyone who witnessed the scene could have found this distressing.

"We are appealing to anyone who has photographs or videos of the interaction that led to the injury to contact us so we can gain a clear understanding of what happened."

Witnesses should contact police on 101 and quote serial 806 of 29/6.

One witness told The Sun: "It had been a really thrilling fight reenactment and then suddenly it went catastrophically wrong.

"It was a freak accident really. They must have rehearsed it a hundred times. It was clearly just dreadful luck.

"It was clear the man was very seriously injured and people were very shocked.

"Some kids were in tears. It was quite upsetting for everyone who was there."

The National Trust organises medieval battle reenactments at Bodiam Castle to bring history to life.

Volunteers dress in period costumes and demonstrate authentic combat techniques.

Such events aim to educate visitors about medieval life and warfare in an engaging way.

The Trust uses such activities to enhance public understanding of historical heritage.

A National Trust spokesperson said: "Following the accident at National Trust's Bodiam Castle in Sussex on Sunday 29 June, our thoughts and concerns are with the injured man, his family and friends.

"The safety and wellbeing of everyone on site is extremely important to us, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. As this is a police matter we are unable to comment further.''