Jake Gyllenhaal's scorpion fright

14-11-2008 12:01

Jake Gyllenhaal's new movie has brought chaos to film studios after scorpions were brought to the set.

Pest control experts have been called into Buckinghamshire's Pinewood studios after two of the potentially deadly creatures were spotted on the loose after being imported with props shipped over from Morocco for new fantasy film 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time', which also stars Gemma Arterton and Sir Ben Kingsley.

There are 1,500 different types of scorpion and we don't know which species these are

A studio source said: "There are 1,500 different types of scorpion and we don't know which species these are. They're fairly small and said to be sub-adults.

"The two scorpions were captured alive. Once they have been properly identified, we hope they will be repatriated to a country where scorpions are common."

Signs have been posted around the studio - where James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace' was also shot - warning workers to beware of the poisonous arachnids.

The signs warn: "At least two scorpions have been spotted in recent days. If you see one do not try your own pest control but inform security."

The captured creatures are now being held in quarantine at Heathrow airport's Animal Reception Centre.