POLICE are investigating after a man working on a BBC children’s film about William Shakespeare was injured when he apparently fell from the back of a lorry after a night out.

The 27-year-old man is in a comfortable condition in James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough, following the incident near Redmire in the Yorkshire Dales.

Although police were unable to confirm the details, The Northern Echo understands the man was in the region to work on Bill, a comedy film about the life of William Shakespeare, being filmed at Bolton Castle as part of the Horrible Histories children’s series.

It is understood the man was returning home after a night out in Leyburn at around 3.20am on Sunday, March 9 when he fell from the back of the truck he was travelling in at Sissy Bank Barn, Redmire.

Cast and crew began filming at the castle last month and are living in caravans beside the visitor attraction, as well as local pubs and holiday cottages.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which they said involved an Iveco truck.

The force said a man, from Royston, Hertfordshire, suffered serious injuries, while the 29-year-old driver of the truck, also from Royston, was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink.

He has now been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Traffic Constable Martin Usher, from the force’s roads policing group, said: “If you were using the Leyburn to Redmire road in the early hours of Sunday 9 March 2014, I ask you to contact the police if you saw the Iveco truck or a man walking along the road.”

The film is being produced by Cowboy Films and Punk Cinema for BBC Films.

A BBC Films spokesperson said: "The accident occurred outside of production hours and is being investigated by the police."

Cowboy Films declined to comment on the incident and nobody was available to comment from Punk Films.

Anyone who can assist the enquiry should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Martin Usher. Alternatively, information can be emailed to martin.usher@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference number 12140037903.