A Ukip councillor in London faces a police probe after suggesting people who wanted to block the Brexit process should be killed.

Terence Nathan, who sits on Bromley Council, posted the inflammatory remarks on Facebook to express anger at legal efforts to overturn Brexit’s victory in the June referendum.

Police and council officials are now looking into the comments, posted below a link to a news article, in which he referenced Article 50 – the legal trigger that formally launches the Brexit process – and then insisted he wasn’t making threats.

He wrote: “Time to start killing these people till Article 50 is invoked, perhaps remainers will get the message then.”

After another Facebook user voiced concern about his use of threats, he added: “Not threatening anyone, no need for threats just a bullet. [sic]”

Cllr Nathan defended his remarks as "ridiculous over-statement" and insisted he would "never seriously have advocated such violence".

He said: "My comment was meant to be taken with a pinch of salt, I thought it was so extreme as to be obviously daft.

"I did not think anyone would take it seriously but some obviously have and I greatly regret this.

"It was honestly intended as ridiculous over-statement.

"Anyone would tell you that I hold dear both respect and democracy, I would never seriously have advocated such violence."

A Bromley Council spokesman said: “The Council has launched an investigation into the alleged comments made but it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Police are also looking into the alleged remarks. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Police in Bromley are aware of comments apparently posted online by a Bromley Councillor.

“Enquiries into this matter are ongoing.”

Cllr Nathan, who represents the ward of Cray Valley West, sits on council committees including the health scrutiny sub-committee and the environment policy development and scrutiny board.

A Ukip spokesman said: "Cllr Nathan was obviously joking. He has apologised.

"We don't see the need for a show trial. His joke was in very poor taste, but we have spoken to him and he is mortified. There seems no advantage to anyone to take it further."

A Ukip source added: "Nigel Farage is the subject of daily personal death threats, and the police do f*** all.

"One guy makes an off-hand comment on social media and there's a police investigation.

"This seems like it's politically inspired. The double standards are astonishing."