Actor Harrison Ford has been injured while filming the new Star Wars movie at Pinewood Studios and has been taken to hospital.

A Disney representative said the 71-year-old star of the first three Star Wars films hurt his ankle while filming at the Buckinghamshire complex.

It is understood he was airlifted to hospital in Oxford for treatment.

According to some reports his ankle was crushed when the door of the Millenium Falcon fell on it.

The actor is appearing again as Han Solo in the latest episode in the Star Wars franchise, episode VII, which will be directed by JJ Abrams and is scheduled for release in December 2015.

Disney spokesman Paul Roeder said filming will continue on schedule while Ford recovers.

A spokesman for Lucasfilm said: "Harrison Ford sustained an ankle injury during filming today on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII.

"He was taken to a local hospital and is receiving care. Shooting will continue as planned while he recuperates."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Just after 5, officers were called to Pinewood Studios.

"A 71 year old man was injured in an incident believed to involve a garage door.

"He was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

"The Health and Safety Executive have been informed & will look into it."

Ford's co-stars include many of those who were in the original film A New Hope, including Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

The plot of episode VII has been kept a secret, but Mr Abrams has said that it will also feature Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis and 12 Years A Slave actress Lupita Nyong'o.

The plot takes place 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi.