Jason Manford has defended online comments in which he criticised the “cowardly” assailants who killed at least 128 people in a series of terrorist attacks in Paris.

The comedian condemned the “cowards” who “slaughtered innocent unarmed people” in an expletive-filled Facebook post, which later led to the removal of his profile from the social media site.

Manford has since defended his words, saying he was “sharing [his] opinion online like everybody else”.

The post read: “F**king cowards. Slaughtering innocent unarmed people for what? Families and children enjoying life, theatre, meals? Not an army vs army you f**king cowards.

“For what? In whose name? Are you doing this in the name of your god? Cos I’ve got news for you, if you think your ‘god’ is gonna reward you for this type of atrocity then your good is a massive c**t.

“I hope you are all caught and murdered in a similar agonising way you f**king scumbags.

“You are an embarrassment to humanity and a s**t stain on all of humanity. You will never defeat us, we are too strong you utter b**tards [sic].”

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Many of the comedian’s fans have shared screen grabs of the post on Twitter, despite its removal, expressing support.

Some have criticised the post, however, with one Twitter user branding the comedian “Islamaphobic”.

Replying one complainant Manford said: “I’d say the same no matter what religion. My track record is proof enough I simply dislike extremists. As we all do.”

In response to another user who said, "Going on a self-indulgent rant while my countryfolk die? No. Nope. Not ever," Manford replied: "It was on my own Facebook fan page. I was sharing my opinion online like everybody else."

Manford’s profile has since been reinstated, but the post remains removed.

At least 128 people are reported to have died on Friday night in what appeared to be a series of coordinated terrorist shootings outside bars, restaurants and a rock concert hall in eastern Paris.

All eight of the attackers responsible for the violence are believed to be dead, including seven who blew themselves up with suicide bombs.

The deadliest of the attacks occurred at the Bataclan rock music venue near the Place de la Republique, where at least 80 people were killed by attackers wearing suicide belts.