Actor Aneurin Barnard Intervenes in Handbag Robbery in Annecy
A British actor received widespread praise after reportedly chasing down and rugby tackling a handbag thief while attending a film festival in France.
Aneurin Barnard, known for his roles in Dunkirk and Peaky Blinders, was involved in the incident shortly before the premiere of his latest film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The film's director, Duncan Jones, shared details of the event on social media, describing Barnard's actions during the episode that took place in the centre of Annecy.
"Aneurin Barnard, our Rogue Trooper, is out here in Annecy, to help promote the film at the festival and went proper HERO today, chasing down, rugby tackling and holding a bag snatcher who had robbed a little old lady in front of him."
Jones further explained that Barnard, who hails from the village of Ogmore Vale in Bridgend county, detained the suspect until police arrived and returned the handbag to the distressed elderly woman.
"And then, he jogs over to our film panel, sits down, calm as can be [and] regales the audience with tales from the film shoot. Folks, I swooned,"
Jones added. Duncan Jones is also known as the son of the late pop icon David Bowie.
Annecy festival officials clarified that the incident occurred in the city centre, not on the festival grounds, approximately one hour before the scheduled panel event.
Annecy Municipal Police have been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
About the Film: Rogue Trooper
Rogue Trooper is the latest project by Duncan Jones, whose previous works include Source Code and Warcraft. Aneurin Barnard stars in the title role in this animated science fiction feature, which premiered at the Annecy festival and is slated for release later this year.
The film is based on a well-known UK sci-fi comic series and follows the story of a "genetic infantryman" who becomes the sole survivor of an invasion force. Determined to find the traitor responsible for betraying him and his comrades, the super soldier is accompanied by the personalities of three fallen squad mates, stored within his gun, helmet, and backpack.
Written and directed by Jones, the cast includes Jack Lowden from Slow Horses, Reece Shearsmith of Inside No 9, comedian Diane Morgan, Sean Bean from Game of Thrones, and Asa Butterfield of Sex Education.
Aneurin Barnard has previously appeared in episodes of Doctor Who and Cilla.
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