Jeremy Clarkson has 'begged' the public for forgiveness after he was caught on camera appearing to use the n-word while filming an episode of Top Gear.

It was alleged that Clarkson muttered n****r during filming of the third episode of Top Gear series 19, as he reviewed the £25,000 Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ.

In the unaired footage, the presenter was heard reciting the nursery rhyme "Eeeny, meeny, miny, mo' before apparently muttering 'catch a n****r by his toe'.

Earlier today the 54-year-old presenter took to Twitter to deny he used the term but has now released a video statement saying that while he made every effort to ensure he did not use the racist slur, he is "mortified and horrified" that it sounded as though he did.