Clarkson apologises for PM insults

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The BBC presenter also accused the Prime Minster of lying, in comments made in Australia where he is hosting Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit TV show.

Mr Brown lost his sight in one eye as the result of an accident playing rugby as a teenager.

In a statement issued by the BBC, Clarkson said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise."

Clarkson, speaking at a press conference in Sydney, compared Mr Brown to Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd, after Mr Rudd had just addressed the country on the global financial crisis.

According to The Australian newspaper, he said: "It's the first time I've ever seen a world leader admit we really are in deep s***. He genuinely looked terrified. The poor man, he's actually seen the books.

"We've got this one-eyed Scottish idiot, he keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us."

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) condemned Clarkson's comments.

Lesley-Anne Alexander, the RNIB's chief executive, said: "Mr Clarkson's description of Prime Minister Brown is offensive. Any suggestion that equates disability with incompetence is totally unacceptable. We would be happy to help Mr Clarkson understand the positive contribution people with sight loss make to society."

A Downing Street spokesman declined to respond to Clarkson's description of Mr Brown, saying only: "I don't think I'm going to get into those comments."