AN archery expert who worked on the new blockbuster King Arthur film has urged people to be on the look out for “lethal” bows stolen from his business near Caldicot.

Swords and a double-headed Viking axe were also taken in the raid at Wye Valley Archery Centre, in Crick, and Lee Palmer warned: “These bows can kill in the hands of an inexperienced archer up to 70 yards, and experienced shots can hit a target at more than 400 yards. They are not toys.

“If anyone is offered one cheaply at a car boot sale or online, please contact the police. We’ve got 350 members, and they’ve all got their eyes peeled for the stolen weapons.”

The raid happened at the Crick Road archery centre overnight on Wednesday to Thursday, May 17 to 18.

Lee added: “I’d had a great week with the release of Guy Ritchie’s new King Arthur film last week, having provided 28 archers and done the sword work as well, before it was ruined by this break-in.”

The archers who took part in the filming in Brecon last year will be

attending a private screening at Cwmbran Cinema this weekend organised by Warner Brothers.

And Mr Palmer, who comes from Chepstow and has been an archer for more than 40 years, said: “Life goes on and it will be a great night, but I was gutted when I arrived last Thursday morning to find the glass on the front door kicked in and the clubroom turned upside down, with around £3,500 worth of weapons missing.

“The bows are worth from £200 up to £1,300, and arrows were taken as well, which will go through a flak jacket. In the hands of the wrong person, they are dangerous.”

The centre, which was set up 11 years ago, specialises in field shooting and includes a target 3D range comprising 40 life-sized model animal targets set up in woodland and fields.

“It’s a mile-and-a-quarter long, through fields and woods and is much more realistic and fun that simple target shooting,” said Mr Palmer, who said he worked on the Russell Crowe Robin Hood film, and has been involved in BBC and Discovery Channel programmes.

“I’ve met quite a few stars working on film and TV productions, including Crowe and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword star Charlie Hunnam.

“We were wearing our “Sons of Archery” jackets on set when Charlie, who starred in Sons of Anarchy strolled over and said “I could sue you for that in the States”.

“I said “Well, we’re in Wales and I’ve got more than 20 armed men behind me”. So he laughed and said “Fair enough, can I have a jacket?” which we gave him.”

Anyone with information about the break-in or stolen weapons should call Gwent Police on 101 or email contact@

gwent.pnn.police.uk quoting incident number GWP-20170518-0223/NICHE 1700189281.