Jackie Stewart is rushed to hospital

Motor racing legend Jackie Stewart was taken to hospital today after falling ill on a London-bound flight.

It is understood the 72-year-old former Formula One world champion had to be given first aid by British Airways stewardesses after complaining of chest pains on a flight from Geneva.

The aircraft was met by paramedics on its arrival at Heathrow's Terminal 5 and Stewart is thought to have been taken to Hillingdon Hospital in west London.

He had been returning to the UK from the Geneva Motor Show.

According to journalists on board the BA plane, the pilot asked passengers if there were any medical personnel on board, stating that there was a medical emergency.

It was reported that Stewart got up to go to the toilet during the flight but never returned to his seat.

Scottish-born Stewart was three times world motor racing champion and was a giant of Grand Prix racing in the 1960s and 1970s.

BA said: 'Our flight crew requested a priority landing so that a male passenger could receive medical attention immediately on arrival.

'Our cabin crew cared for the customer during the flight. We wish him well.'