UKIP councillor Dave Small suspended by party over racism claims Published duration 27 May 2014

image caption UKIP MEP James Carver (above) said there would be a "fair and thorough" investigation

A UKIP councillor has been suspended by his party over claims he made racist and homophobic comments on Facebook.

Dave Small, who was elected to Redditch Borough Council's Church Hill ward on Friday, now faces a disciplinary hearing.

It is alleged Mr Small called African migrants "scroungers" and Clare Balding and Sir Elton John "perverts" because of their sexualities.

The Facebook page has now been taken down and Mr Small has not commented.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics show, UKIP MEP James Carver said he had brought the issue up with the party.

He said there would be a "fair and thorough" investigation.

UKIP said the suspension had been made with immediate effect, but made no other comment, other than to confirm Mr Small was now facing a disciplinary hearing.