Welsh actor Aneurin Barnard is being praised for his actions after reportedly stopping a handbag robbery in Annecy, France, shortly before he was due to speak at a film festival. Barnard, who was in the city to promote his new film "Rogue Trooper," is said to have rugby tackled a man attempting to steal a handbag from an elderly woman.
The incident occurred in the city center, not on the festival grounds, approximately one hour before a scheduled panel event. According to reports, Barnard apprehended the culprit and held him until police arrived, subsequently returning the handbag to the distressed woman.
Jones, son of pop icon David Bowie and director of "Rogue Trooper," recounted the event, stating that Barnard "calm as can be" joined the film panel afterwards and shared anecdotes from the production. "Folks, I swooned," Jones added.
"Rogue Trooper," an animated science fiction feature based on a UK comic series, tells the story of a "genetic infantryman" who is the sole survivor of an invasion and seeks to uncover a traitor. The film's cast includes Jack Lowden, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Sean Bean, and Asa Butterfield. Barnard stars in the title role. The film premiered at the festival and is slated for release later this year.
Annecy Municipal Police have been contacted for comment regarding the incident.