Morgan Freeman's private jet forced to make an emergency landing after tyre blows during take-off

Morgan Freeman had a lucky escape after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing.

The Hollywood actor, 78, was on board his jet in Clarksdale, Mississippi, when a tyre blew as the aircraft took off.

Freeman was due in Texas to film a segment for National Geographic’s The Story of God but the plane was forced to make an emergency just 35 miles away in Tunica.

In a statement, Freeman said: “Sometimes things don’t go as planned and a tyre blew on take-off, which caused other problems.

“But thanks to my excellent pilot Jimmy Hobson we landed safely without a scratch.

“I cannot say the same about my plane.

“I appreciate the concerns and prayers for our safety.”

Bill Luckett, mayor of Clarksdale, said both Freeman and Mr Hobson were uninjured and another plane was sent to the emergency landing site to take Freeman to his final destination.

The extent of the damage to Freeman's plane is unknown.