The family of Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes have thanked fans for their “thoughts and prayers”.

Mr Holmes, 25, the stunt double for star Daniel Radcliffe, was hospitalised with a serious back injury after a fall at Leavesden Studios.

He was rehearsing an aerial sequence when it is believed a controlled explosion caused him to fall to the ground.

A statement from his family they were “helping each other through this difficult time”.

They said: “We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We are trusting in the expertise of the medical staff who are caring for David.”

Mr Holmes, from Romford in Essex, was taken to Watford General Hospital following his fall at around 11am on Wednesday, but was later transferred to Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, in Stanmore.

An investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after the accident.