A film production company has pleaded guilty to failing to protect actors and workers after Star Wars actor Harrison Ford broke his leg on set at Pinewood Studios in 2014.

The film star, 73, was seriously injured when he was struck by a heavy hydraulic metal door on the set of the Millennium Falcon during filming for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' at the studios in Iver.

Ford, who plays Han Solo in the film series, was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after the incident on June 12, 2014.

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, based in Queen Caroline Street, London, appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court today (July 26) faced with two health and safety breaches and the case has now been transferred to Aylesbury Crown Court.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: “During the filming of Star Wars Episode Seven: The Force Awakens, the actor Harrison Ford was badly injured after he became trapped under a rapidly closing metal-framed door. The power of the door’s drive system was comparable to the weight of a small car.

“This was a foreseeable incident. Foodles Production (UK) Ltd has accepted it failed to protect actors and staff and HSE welcomes the firm’s guilty plea.”

They added: “The British film industry has a world renowned reputation for making exceptional films. Managing on-set risks in a sensible and proportionate way for all actors and staff – regardless of their celebrity status – is vital to protecting both on-screen and off-screen talent, as well as protecting the reputation of the industry.”