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A Ukip parish councillor was condemned today after describing Muslims as 'throat-cutting ragheads' on Facebook.

Cllr Philip Winter, 57, insisted his message to a friend was 'nothing new' and added 'I don't really see how this can be found offensive'.

But the former RAF Association officer has sparked outrage online and complaints to the local council in Gloucestershire.

He wrote: "The feeling most Service-minded folk have these days is one of betrayal of government regarding raghead problems.

"[They] are just waiting for the 'balloon' to go up when they all start rioting and cutting our throats in our neighbourhoods."

Cllr Winter, who recently joined Almondsbury parish council in South Gloucestershire, made the comments in a post to a friend on Wednesday night.

He is one of four UKIP members on the council and was previously a Wings Officer for the city and county of Bristol RAF Association.

(Image: SWNS)

His comments were described as "unacceptable and highly offensive".

One online respondent said: "How can such ill judged behaviour give confidence in his judgment as an elected representative?"

Asked to explain his remarks, Winter, who lives in nearby Filton, Bristol, claimed many people shared his opinions and they had been taken out of context.

He said: "What I said is nothing new, I think it's a general concern from people and I didn't send this speaking on behalf of the council.

"It was simply a personal message explaining my background to one person. I did not intend for this to be public.

"I was telling someone on a personal level about how I used to be a Tory. I don't really see how this can be found offensive. It must be the terminology which is being blown out of proportion and is an expression."

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council, who have been dealing with complaints regarding Cllr Winter, said: "We have been notified about a complaint relating to a parish councillor which will be dealt with via the Standards Committee, which is the usual procedure in these circumstances."