I'm no racist, swears 'Top Gear' host

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has denied claims that he used racist language while filming an episode of the hit motoring show.

The star used the n-word while reciting a nursery rhyme, but it was later edited out of a BBC broadcast, it has been reported.

The footage appears to show Clarkson saying, "Eeny, meeny, miny moe ..."

He then reportedly mumbles, "catch a n****r by his toe".

Clarkson allegedly used the phrase while filming but the footage was not aired. In the version aired by the BBC in February last year Clarkson used the word "teacher".

The footage, obtained by the Daily Mirror, was studied by "audio-forensic experts" who reportedly claimed Clarkson did use the term.

Clarkson denied the claim on Twitter, writing: "I did not use the n-word. Never use it. The Mirror has gone way too far this time."

It comes days after the show apologised for broadcasting a "light-hearted" joke by Clarkson that sparked a complaint of racism.

In a scene filmed in Burma the presenters built a bridge over the River Kwai, and as an Asian man walked over it Clarkson said: "That is a proud moment, but there's a slope on it."

Somi Guha, an actress who complained to the BBC, said use of the phrase was an example of "casual racism".