An allegedly anti-Semitic comment apparently made by the National Theatre's former head of music is being investigated by police after a complaint was made.

Matthew Scott, 62, an Eton-educated and highly regarded composer, is believed to have made the comment under a BBC News article about the forthcoming Israeli elections.

The post stated: “The time for the erasure of Israel and the completion of the cleansing process is rapidly approaching. Can Netanyahu now see that his actions are feeding the furnace?”

The comment, made at the weekend, was subsequently deleted. Mr Scott's contact page on the United Agents website was also later removed and neither he nor his agent responded to requests for comment.

Essex Police confirmed it had received a complaint from about the post, which it was expected to transfer to another force.

A spokeswoman said: "We have received reports of an anti-Semitic post on social media.

"It was reported to us just before 4pm on April 9. Our enquiries are ongoing.”

The complainant, who did not want to be identified, said he was “appalled” by the comments, which he said would be career-ending for many.

Mr Scott, from south London, was head of music at the National Theatre from 2006 until 2016.