Richard Hammond (Top Gear) in critical condition

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond has been injured in an accident while filming an edition of the programme, the BBC said.

Hammond, who often drives high-performance cars as part of presenting the show, has been taken to hospital following the incident at an airfield near York.

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He said: "At 5.45pm (on Wednesday) evening we received a report via the fire service of a male person trapped in what was described as an overturned jet car which had been driven on the airfield.

It sounds very serious. Various reports are saying that Hammond is in a "critical condition" and in a special "neurological unit".

Top Gear presenter hurt | NEWS.com.au

Update: He was doing 280 mph at the time aiming to set a new UK land speed record in a jet powered Vampire. Sky News: Top Gear Man In Crash.

Apparently the Vampire is powered by a Rolls Royce Orpheus jet engine and accellerates from 0 to 272 mph in 6 seconds. One, two, three, four, five, six. There - you're now travelling 272 mph.

Further Updates:

• TV host 'improving' after crash | BBC online,
• Hammond in a serious but stable condition | BBC Top Gear,
• Jeremy makes statement,
• the BBC ask for messages of support to be sent via email.
• Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary said they are 'reasonably optimistic' that Richard Hammond will make a good recovery despite having suffered a significant brain injury