Former Watford defender Clarke Carlisle has been seriously injured after an accident with a lorry.

The Daily Mail reported the 35-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Leeds after the incident took place near Bishopsthorpe on the A64 at 7.30am on Monday morning, although it is not yet clear how the collision happened.

His injuries were initially reported as life threatening but the BBC subsequently stated this is not the case.

There has been widespread support for Carlisle on social media website Twitter as news of the seriousness of his condition spread this evening, including from ex-Hornets teammate Ashley Young.

The Manchester United player tweeted on Monday evening: "Shocked to hear the news tonight about Clarkey, thoughts with him and his family. Pull through mate."

The FA has also tweeted and said: "The thoughts and prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle and his family at this sad time."

Carlisle's wife, Gemma, tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Don't normally use this account anymore. But have been overwhelmed with yout thoughts and prayers. Thank you."

Having played for Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, Carlisle joined the Hornets in 2005 and was to be a key figure in Aidy Boothroyd's side that won promotion to the Premier League following the play-off final success in Cardiff.

Although the centre-half did not feature in the play-offs, he made a total of 32 appearances in the 2005/06 campaign, scoring three league goals.

Carlisle was to make just four Premier League appearances for Watford the following season and joined rivals Luton Town later that season, before making a permanent switch to Burnley in the summer of 2007.

A former chairman of the PFA, he went on to play for Preston North End, Northampton Town and York City before ending his playing career last year after making more than 500 appearances in all competitions.

Carlisle famously became the first footballer to appear on the TV show Countdown and since his retirement from playing, has been a regular pundit for ITV, working at this summer's World Cup and on the channel's Europa League coverage. He is also a prominent ambassador for Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination group.