An ‘irresponsible’ Manchester councillor has been reported to the police after sharing conspiracy theories about coronavirus on social media.

Coun Kenneth Dobson has come under fire after controversial messages labelling COVID-19 a ‘bogus virus’ and a ‘load of bol**x’ appeared on his Twitter.

The posts, which prompted warnings that spreading such disinformation ‘puts lives at risk’, have also been reported to the council’s chief executive.

But in a statement on Facebook, Coun Dobson urged anyone who disagrees with him to stay away from his page ‘as there is a lot more to come’.

The independent councillor for Clayton and Openshaw said on Thursday: “The good thing with all these negative comments is you find out who your friends aren't.

“I've never said this virus isn't real or a hoax. The distraction is a hoax. I have never said that people haven't died. But have to say that the flu has killed more people…

“People should not get upset about what I say on MY page about this hoax.”

He added: “Letting things go and not standing up for us and our rights is not part of my role and I would not be doing my job for us and our area if I didn't speak up or at least show the other side of the coin.

“If it upsets anyone I'm sorry but it would be best to unfriend as there is a lot more to come.”

Several councillors and prominent figures across Greater Manchester have taken to social media to voice their concerns about the content of the posts.

Sacha Lord, the city-region’s night time economy advisor, described Coun Dobson as ‘irresponsible’ and asked his followers to ignore him and follow government guidelines.

A complaint about the tweets was made to Greater Manchester Police on Thursday by Clayton and Openshaw’s Labour councillors, Donna Ludford and Sean McHale.

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“It was paramount that the police were told about these tweets. It has to be a police matter,” said Coun Ludford.

“Coronavirus is incredibly serious, it’s life and death for some people.”

Coun Pat Karney, secretary of Manchester council’s Labour group, has also raised the issue with town hall chief Joanne Roney.

He said: “With hundreds of people in our country killed by the virus, this is no hoax, and claims it doesn’t exist are dangerous and irresponsible.

“I have reported this councillor to the chief executive of the council.”