A medieval battle re-enactor has been stabbed in the face at a National Trust weapons display.

The sword went through the visor of the man's helmet during a medieval re-enactment.

The 37-year-old man, from Horsham in West Sussex, was taken to hospital in a serious condition following the incident at Bodiam Castle near East Sussex on June 29.

The man was taking part in a combat re-enactment when the sword of his "opponent" went through his visor just before 3pm, Sussex Police said.

A force spokesperson added: "He suffered a head injury and he is currently in a serious condition at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.”

Detective Inspector Barry Chandler of Sussex Police stated officers were “treating the incident as an accident", adding the man's family have been offered support.

He said: “His opponent, a 36-year-old man also from Horsham, and the organisers are helping us with our inquiries.

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

The incident took place at Bodiam Castle

“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."

A National Trust spokeswoman said: “Following the accident at National Trust’s Bodiam Castle in Sussex on June 29 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 co-operating fully with the relevant authorities.

"As this is a police matter we are unable to comment further.’’