Emma Watson report claiming plot to 'kidnap' actress was foiled denied by Beauty and the Beast production team

Report claimed taxi driver overheard plan

Emma Watson will host a live Q&A on gender equality for International Women's Day (Getty Images)

A spokesperson for a live action remake of Beauty and the Beast has denied a report that security at the film set was stepped up after a plot to kidnap Emma Watson was uncovered.

An article in The Sun claimed security was increased on Friday after a taxi driver overheard two studio workers plotting to either kidnap or rob Watson. The 25-year-old has been filming scenes for Beauty And The Beast at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.

It quoted a source as saying the workers were talking in a foreign language, apparently unaware the driver could understand them. It claimed the driver then told his boss who in turn raised the alarm with bosses at the studio.

However, a spokesperson for Beauty and the Beast denied the report in a statement. "The story was looked into by production and found to be unsubstantiated and untrue," it said.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police told The Independent it had not received any reports of an incident occuring.