Channel 4 News has apologized for Jon Snow's 'unscripted observation' after the broadcaster said he had 'never seen so many white people in one place' while reporting on last night's pro-Brexit protests.

Snow, 71, was accused of bias for failing to comment on the similar lack of diversity at last weekend's Remain rally.

In a statement, Channel 4 News said it 'regrets' any offence caused by the presenter's remarks, which came as protesters brought Westminster to a standstill on what was supposed to be the day the UK exited the European Union.

Jon Snow (left) made the controversial statement while reporting for Channel 4 on last night's Brexit protests in Westminster

Speaking at the end of the live programme on College Green, Snow said: 'It's been the most extraordinary day. A day which has seen... I have never seen so many white people in one place, it's an extraordinary story.

'There are people everywhere, there are crowds everywhere.'

His quip caused a barrage of online response - with some Twitter users pointing out that those marching for Remain last Saturday were also predominantly white.

Brexiteers complained that Jon Snow had displayed a pro-Remain bias for commenting on the racial make-up of a Leave protest, with one saying he was 'beyond the pale'

Journalist and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer described his comments as 'unbelievably shocking', while others deemed the reference to 'white people' as unnecessary and inflammatory.

'Here's a pic of one of the People's Vote marches that Jon 'I've never seen so many white people in one place' Snow loves so much,' she wrote on Twitter.

In a statement, Channel 4 said: 'This was an unscripted observation at the very end of a long week of fast-moving Brexit developments.

'Jon has covered major events such as this over a long career and this was a spontaneous comment reflecting his observation that in a London demonstration of that size, ethnic minorities seemed to be significantly under-represented.

'We regret any offence caused by his comment.'

Some Twitter users could not understand why Snow was under fire, and said he was merely pointing out an obvious lack of diversity at the pro-Brexit rally yesterday

A spokesman for the regulator Ofcom said they would have to wait until Monday to say how many complaints - if any - had been registered regarding the incident.

A spokesman said: 'We will assess any complaints we do receive before deciding whether or not to investigate.

Leave supporters said they felt that Snow's remarks were 'reckless' and 'designed to get reactions' and sow division.

'It would have been fine if Jon Snow regularly commented on the racial make up of groups/protests in his reporting,' wrote Katharine Birbalsingh.

'But he doesn't. It's the inconsistency in his behaviour that damns him.'

Most people, however, poked fun at the absurdity of his comments, with one person implying he would see as many white people in Waitrose

However many others jumped to Snow's defence, saying he was merely commenting on an obvious lack of diversity at last night's protests.

They pointed out that anti-immigration figures Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage had addressed protesters earlier in the day, and were unlikely to draw a diverse crowd.

'That protest last night was the 'March 4 Leave' one which featured speeches from Tommy Robinson and Gerald (sic) Batten among others,' wrote Dara Peyton.

'Both men that don't have the most diverse following - so when Snow says he hasn't seen so many white people, he means it it's not a very diverse crowd.'

Twitter users also poked fun at Snow's comment, as well as those taking it seriously.

Have you never been to Waitrose?' one asked, while another reminded Snow that he had been educated at a private boarding school in Oxford.

Julia Hartley-Brewer also posted images from Glastonbury and the Hay Literary Festival, both of which Snow attended, that appear to show an entirely white crowd.

'Like yellow snow, Jon Snow is best avoided,' mused one person.