Hollywood actor Harrison Ford airlifted to hospital

American Hollywood star Harrison Ford was airlifted to hospital today after injuring himself on the set of the latest Star Wars film.

Ford, 71, was being treated for an ankle injury following filming at Pinewood Studios outside London.

The condition of the star, best known for his roles as Star Wars' Han Solo and Indiana Jones, is not known.

Ford appeared in the original three Star Wars films of 1977-83. The series is being continued with the standalone sequel Episode VII.

The series' studio Disney has said shooting on the film will continue as Ford recuperates from the injury.

Ford is set to be joined in the film by fellow original Star Wars series cast mates Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew.

Academy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow are also set to star.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be one of two spin-offs built around existing characters from the Star Wars universe and developed alongside a new trilogy.

Chancellor George Osborne earlier said the decision to shoot Episode VII in the UK was "testament to the incredible talent in Britain" and meant "more jobs and more investment".