LONDON: Is the movie set of "Sherlock Holmes" jinxed? That is a mystery which should be investigated before more unfortunate incidents happen.

In the latest spate of events, actor Robert Downey Jr who plays the fictional detective was knocked unconscious when shooting a fight scene with co-star Robert Maillet.

The 43-year-old star had to undergo six stitches in his mouth, from a nurse on set at Chatham dockyard in Kent.

“Robert was accidentally caught on the chin by a thundering hook. He went flying and was out cold,” according to UK paper the Sun.

“He didn’t want to go to hospital and kept trying to get up. He’s a trooper. But there have been lots of other problems too.”

On November 27, a loaded petrol tanker burst into flames during a delivery to the set, prompting the shoot to halt for about two hours.

Downey Jr, Jude Law who plays Sherlock’s sidekick Dr Watson and director Guy Ritchie had to flee from the set.

"The crew have started joking about the curse of Sherlock Holmes," a source said.

Aimed for a US release in 2009, “Sherlock Holmes” centres on the adventures of the famed 19th century detective.

Apart from Robert Downey Jr and Law, this action thriller film will also see Rachel McAdams as she takes on the role of Irene Adler, Holmes' love interest.

- CNA/jk