MOMENTUM Warrington insists it is 'committed to peace and non-violence' despite a post from the organisation's Facebook account suggesting Prime Minister Theresa May needs an 'electrocution'.

Supporters of the grassroots political organisation, which is associated to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, have been criticised after a screenshot of the comment circulated on social media.

The controversy came about after a news story stating the PM 'has rejected a call for the UK to stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia' was shared.

Shortly after, in reference to Mrs May, a Facebook user made her views clear after commenting on the shared story.

She posted: "This horrific excuse for a human needs to call an election."

It sparked a response from Momentum Warrington's Facebook account, which published a post saying 'or an electrocution'.

Last month the screenshot made its way onto the Exposing Momentum Twitter page.

But the group's chairman Paul Smith, who was elected into the role in December, has responded to the criticism.

He said: "The comment was quickly taken down when it was realised that it had been mistakenly posted under the Momentum Warrington Facebook account.

"The individual responsible has apologised and explained to us that it was not meant as a serious comment but was made in the light of PM's support of the bombing of Yemen by Saudi Arabia.

"It was absolutely not intended to represent the views of Momentum and I can assure you that Momentum Warrington is committed to peace and non-violence.

"We are looking to engage more people in politics and it's perhaps because we are bunch of 'ordinary' people that the odd faux pas can happen – but we do regret it nevertheless."

However, a Labour source, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes tougher action must be taken against the person behind the post.

The source said: "This kind of statement shows Momentum Warrington for what they are – a hard left fringe group with no affiliation to the Labour Party or its values.

"Calling for the PM to be electrocuted shows that these people have no place in a civilised democracy.

"Momentum should identify the person responsible for this posting and confirm they have expelled them."