The stuntman who was injured on the set of Fast & Furious 9 has thanked well-wishers for their support after being moved out of intensive care.

Joe Watts was airlifted to hospital with a serious head injury after falling the film set at the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden two-and-a-half weeks ago.

Stunt performer Watts, 31, is still in hospital and "has a long road ahead" of him, but doctors say they are pleased with his recovery so far.

A statement from Watts, his partner Tilly Powell and their families, said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes since Joe's accident while filming Fast & Furious 9.

"We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support from friends, family and the stunt community, as well as the Fast & Furious 9 cast, crew and Universal Pictures.

"While Joe remains in hospital and there is still a long road ahead, he has been moved out of the ICU and doctors are pleased with his progress."

They added: "We'd especially like to send an enormous thank you to the air ambulance crew, all the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal London Hospital who have provided amazing care to Joe."

Producers halted work on the latest instalment of the long-running film series following the on-set incident, as police and paramedics were called to the scene.

Watts, who acted as a stunt double on the set of the Fast & Furious 9 but was not the double of actor Vin Diesel, has previously worked on a number of high-profile productions including Game Of Thrones, Johnny English Strikes Again, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

A Universal Pictures spokesman said: "Universal Pictures and the filmmakers, talent and crew of Fast & Furious 9 are heartened that Joe is on the road to recovery with the support of his loved ones.

"Joe is a professional in every sense of the word and his commitment to his craft is inspiring to all of us. We know he'll continue to inspire us throughout his recovery.

"Everyone in the Fast family sends our heartfelt wishes and we will continue to support Joe and his family however we can."