HOLLYWOOD actor Benedict Cumberbatch has urged people to do more to help refugees fleeing Syria and other war-torn countries.

Speaking at the launch of the new Marvel film Doctor Strange, in which he plays the leading role, Cumberbatch said he had previously asked people to make donations after performing in Hamlet.

But, pictured with his pregnant wife Sophie Hunter, at the event in London, the Sherlock star renewed his plea.

He said: "I wouldn't want to tell people what to do. I'd never try to do that. I did ask people if they felt compelled after talking to them about it to give some money after a performance of Hamlet, but I'd never tell people what to do

"I'm not in a position to do that. I'm not a politician nor am I an expert on the situation or a charity worker.

"All I would try and do is guide a light on to people who can maybe give advice, whether it be a charity such as Save The Children or Unicef or any of the other NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and citizen groups that have been set up in Calais and around the whole crisis that has been happening there for years now.

"I wouldn't be the one to tell people what to do, but definitely I think, I think people know what to do," he said.

Cumberbatch, who is expecting a second child with Ms Hunter, launched a passionate attack on politicians' response to the refugee crisis on stage in London last year.

Following a performance of Hamlet, the actor criticised the Government's "slow response" to Syrians fleeing war and was reported to have said "f*** the politicians".

Other stars at the event included co-stars Tilda Swinton and Rachel McAdam from the Marvel inspired film.