Star Wars' Chewbacca actor has lightsaber walking stick seized at airport

British actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in Star Wars, ran into a spot of bother at Denver Airport, when security staff seized his lightsaber-style walking stick as a potential security risk.

The 7ft 2" actor, who needs the cane to help him walk, was heading home from a sci-fi convention when Transport Security Administration (TSA) staff stopped him to examine the extra-long stick.

He posted a picture of staff scrutinising the cane, and tweeted: "Giant man need giant cane... small cane snap like toothpick...besides...my light saber is just cool...I would miss it."

Fortunately, the cane was eventually released and he tweeted: "Magic words to TSA are not "please" or "thank you"... It's "Twitter"... cane released to go home."

Fans were quick to show their support, with @DearAstronomer tweeting: "@TSA just learned Star Wars lesson #1: Let the Wookie Win."

Another follower, @Fractal_Pattern, added: "It's not wise to upset a Wookie."

Click on the image below for some examples of airport security gone mad...

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