Russell Brand has cancelled the rest of his tour after his mother sustained life threatening injuries in a car crash

He said in a video posted on Instagram: "My mum's been in a really serious road accident and has sustained what are called polytraumatic injuries, that means numerous, life threatening injuries.

"So I won’t be able to do the rest of my rebirth tour. If you have tickets they'll be refunded or possibly rescheduled but I can't imagine performing at the moment, I feel too sad and too connected to this. I apologise but obviously it's circumstances beyond my control.

"What I realise through this are some things that are really obvious, the importance of people you love and how often these things happen.

"When you're in hospital you're surrounded by people in traumatic situations and suffering and pain so it brings you to a kind of bare and raw truth about your reality. I'm sad for my mum, she's vulnerable.

"She only finished chemotherapy a month ago so for her to be in this situation it's really difficult. The man who was driving, Taz, was a friend of mine."

Russell went on to thank medical staff for the care they have given his mum - who was on her way to babysit his and wife Laura's 18-month-old daughter Mabel when the incident happened - and thanked fans for their support, as well as revealing he'll be stepping away from social media for the time being.

He continued: "What I suppose I would like to say is how I am reminded, as I have been many times across my life is the importance and significance of the NHS who have already saved her life on six occasions, my mum has had cancer six times.

"To see the way the medical professionals operate is a phenomenal thing. We should all be really grateful for the NHS. I think of it as the soul of this country, where people are benevolent and kind and do something valuable for a living. So again, sorry to convey this sad news to you, I won't be on social media for a while.

"Thank you for all your positive, beautiful messages, prayers for those of you for whom that is meaningful and appropriate.

"Please continue to keep my mum in your thoughts and in your hearts. I'm sending lots of love to you and gratitude cheers I'll see you all soon I hope."

The accident happened when a Vauxhall Astra crossed onto the wrong side of the road and hit the Audi A8 Barbara was travelling in.

The other driver fled the scene in another vehicle, but a man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the crash on Friday (27.04.18).