Donald Trump 'beheading' councillor suspended Published duration 6 December 2017

image copyright Lib Dems/EPA image caption The Liberal Democrats said Laura Benson's comments were "extremely tasteless"

A Liberal Democrat councillor has been suspended for saying American president Donald Trump should be assassinated.

Laura Benson wrote on Facebook she hoped Mr Trump would be beheaded for allowing the remains of legally-hunted elephants into the US.

Lib Dem Party leaders said her remarks were "extremely tasteless" and have launched an investigation.

Ms Benson, who represents the Newcomen ward on Redcar and Cleveland Council, has "apologised unreservedly".

She also said First Lady Melania Trump should be "ashamed" for standing by her husband. She has now been suspended by her party.

Sue Jeffery, the Labour leader of the council, agreed with her that Mr Trump's policy on elephants was wrong, but said the tone of her comment was inappropriate.

A Lib Dem statement said: "Much as we disapprove of Donald Trump, such comments are completely unacceptable and extremely tasteless."