Comedian Rik Mayall 'seriously ill'

Mayall: one of Britain's leading comic actors

The comedian and actor Rik Mayall is "seriously ill" in hospital after suffering head injuries in a quad-bike accident.

The star's family have been at his bedside

Mr Mayall, the star of TV series such as Bottom and the New Statesman, was flown unconscious to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, by police helicopter after the crash in south Devon on Thursday evening.

On Saturday a spokeswoman at the hospital said Mr Mayall was in a stable condition and was not giving immediate cause for concern.

"He is seriously ill," she said. "There is nothing more we can say about his condition for the moment, and the situation is unlikely to change in the next few days."

Mayall was found unconscious by his wife at their country home

The accident happened when the comedian - who shot to fame with his appearances in the Young Ones and the Comic Strip - was using the four-wheeled machine at his farm near East Allington.

It is understood Mr Mayall was trapped beneath the machine when it turned over.

His wife came out to see why the engine had stopped, and discovered him unconscious underneath the bike.

Westcountry Ambulance Service were called to the scene, and a paramedic requested the Devon and Cornwall police helicopter to assist because of Mr Mayall's condition.

Mr Mayall bought the estate last year as a retreat for himself and his wife and three children.