Sir Mick Jagger made a last-minute dash across the Atlantic to attend the birth of his eighth child.

Sir Mick Jagger

Sir Mick Jagger

The 73-year-old rock icon boarded a private jet to New York City to be at the bedside of 29-year-old ballerina Melanie Hamrick, who took Sir Mick by surprise when she rang to inform him of the impending birth of their first child.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Mick knew the baby was imminent but did not believe his services would be needed so quickly. As soon as he found out, he caught the first plane he could to JFK Airport. There was no way he was going to miss it."

Sir Mick's private flight ensured he arrived just in time for the birth of his son.

The insider added: "It was all very hectic, but thankfully he made it just in time. His relief was nearly as huge as the pride he felt when he welcomed his new son into the world."

Although Mick and Melanie are no longer a couple, the Rolling Stones star - who has children with five different women - is keen to be hands-on with his son.

The London-based rocker has already promised to provide financial support to his baby boy and Melanie, both of whom are doing well following the birth.

The Street Fighting Man' rocker has, in fact, bought Melanie a £5 million townhouse in New York, while he also intends to see his as-yet-unnamed son as much as possible.

A source said: "They want to raise their son together and obviously will always have such a great bond.

"Melanie knows she can always count on Mick for support even though he loves on a different continent."

Mick and Melanie started dating in 2014 following the suicide of fashion designer L'Wren Scott, who had been Sir Mick's partner for the previous 13 years.