Crusoe film crew in tree alert

8:42am Tuesday 27th May 2008

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THEY have already brought their fair share of drama to York, but the film crew currently shooting Robinson Crusoe got drawn into some real-life action in the city when high winds sent a tree crashing down within inches of young children in Stonebow.

As Jurassic Park star Sam Neill filmed scenes inside the nearby Black Swan in Peasholme Green, the heavy tree branches were ripped free and fell into the street below, narrowly missing a young mum and dad with their three children.

The road was briefly blocked after the incident, at about 1pm yesterday, until the film crew working on the TV series downed tools and rushed out to help.

Eyewitness Samantha Wiley, 35, of Fossway, York, said: "They were out within seconds. They directed traffic around the obstruction while other members of the team cleared away the debris.

"It was quite dramatic when it happened because the branches missed these children by inches.

"I phoned the fire brigade who said they'd send someone, but the film crew reacted so quickly I phoned them back and said don't bother coming.

"Sam Neill came out to see what was going on. Sadly Sean Bean wasn't there. When the guys were finished clearing the street, the onlookers gave them a round of applause."

The pair, who starred in Lord Of The Rings and Jurassic Park respectively, have been spotted throughout York, filming scenes in a boat on the Ouse, in the Guildhall and in Shambles.