[Ammi]

Mumford and Sons band member Ted Dwane has been admitted to hospital with a blood clot on his brain.

The Grammy Award-winning folk rock group postponed concerts in the US cities of Dallas, Woodland and New Orleans after the musician was told he needed an emergency operation.

It is understood the bassist had been feeling unwell for several days.

In a statement, his bandmates said Dwane is receiving "excellent care" and is expected to "recover quickly from surgery".

"Sadly we have to postpone three upcoming headline shows," the group said on their official website .

"All dates will be rescheduled and will be announced as soon as we can, and all tickets for this week's events will be honoured at their rescheduled dates.

"We have no plans to cancel or postpone any other appearances along this current tour.

"We're all wishing Ted a speedy recovery."

Mumford and Sons have won two Brit Awards, including the coveted album of the year prize for Sigh No More in 2011.

Their follow-up album, Babel, went to number one in the UK in 2012. It sold 573,000 copies, making it the sixth biggest-selling album of the year.

The band are on tour in the United States until the end of June, when they are due to fly to the UK to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

They have another four gigs planned before flying to Australia, Japan and Canada, eventually returning to the United States in late August.