A technician working on the new Batman movie was killed after the vehicle he was in hit a tree during a stunt test run.

The victim was on a camera truck following the stunt vehicle when the accident happened at Longcross, Surrey.

Warner Bros Pictures has said no filming was taking place at the time.

A statement from the movie company added: “There was a fatal accident at a special effects facility for Batman: The Dark Knight.

“A technician on the film died when the truck he was in struck a tree following a test run.

“Warner Bros Pictures and the entire cast and crew of The Dark Knight are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.”

The movie, which stars Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman, is due for release next summer.