Footage of the failed stunt, in which the 55-year-old actor takes a running jump between two building rooftops, surfaced online on the tabloid website TMZ. In the clip the jump falls short and Cruise can be seen slamming into the side of the target building instead of landing on it.

The US studio Paramount today confirmed Cruise's injury was a broken ankle.

"During production on the latest Mission: Impossible film Tom Cruise broke his ankle while performing a stunt," a statement issued by the studio said.

"Production will go on hiatus while Tom makes a full recovery."

The statement added: "Tom wants to thank you all for your concern and support and can't wait to share the film with everyone."

The film's release date would not change, the studio said.

Media reports in the US today confirmed filming on the movie will stop for up to nine weeks while Cruise recovers.

Cruise was connected to wires at the time of the incident and while there looked to be no risk of falling, the impact appeared to be serious. In the footage, Cruise can be seen limping away, unsteady on his feet.

The film is the sixth in the Mission: Impossible franchise, directed by Christopher McQuarrie; it also stars Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett and Alec Baldwin.

Production commenced on the film in Paris in April; aside from London, other filming locations include New Zealand, India and Norway.

The delay means a planned move to New Zealand later this month will be delayed; the film also still has shooting in Norway to complete.

The film will be released in July, 2018.