Leslie Crowther 'critical' after second operation

Leslie Crowther, the television personality, was last night in a 'critical but stable' condition after a second emergency brain operation cleared a blood clot the size of a small apple.

David Sandeman, the neurosurgeon, said after the operation: 'In this sort of situation, which is dreadfully serious, there is a real risk of him not coming through.'

Mr Crowther, 59, suffered severe head injuries in a weekend car crash on the M5 near Cheltenham when his Rolls-Royce careered from the road. He remains on a life support system in Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

Mr Sandeman, who carried out both operations, warned that the next few hours and days would be crucial as Mr Crowther's condition was complicated by a heart problem.