London, Jan 30 : Friends and family of David Holmes, body-double of Harry star Daniel Radcliffe, are praying his film career is not over after the stunt man suffered serious injuries in a horrific fall.

A friend said that specialists had taken a scan of Holmes's back and were assessing the extent of the damage.

"They are hoping he will make a full recovery. But it was a nasty injury and it might be some time before they know exactly what they are dealing with," the Mirror quoted the pal, as saying.

"He is hoping he hasn't suffered any really serious permanent damage. He has worked in the film industry long enough to know it can be dangerous. And no matter what precautions are taken, performing stunts always carries a risk. But he has always loved his work and he will be hoping this isn't the end of his career," the pal added.

The 25-year-old, from Southend, got injured while rehearsing a flying scene that involved him being strapped into a harness and propelled through the air.

It is believed he was sent plummeting to the ground by a controlled explosion that was part of the stunt.

Holmes had been part of a team rehearsing stunts for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Leavesden studios near Watford.

He was taken to Watford General Hospital then transferred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Health and safety officers are investigating the accident. (ANI)