Image caption Henry Reilly described the matter as a "technical issue" involving a discussion with a journalist

UKIP has confirmed that it suspended one of its most high profile figures in Northern Ireland, Henry Reilly, despite the councillor's earlier denials.

UKIP's leader in Northern Ireland, David McNarry, told the BBC Mr Reilly had been suspended after party leader Nigel Farage visited Belfast on Monday.

Mr Reilly described it as a "technical issue" involving a discussion with a journalist and denied being suspended.

However, UKIP later issued a statement confirming Mr Reilly's suspension.

On Thursday afternoon, a party spokesman said: "UKIP has suspended Councillor Henry Reilly from all party activity.

"This matter is now in the hands of the National General Secretary who will report to the National Executive Committee in due course."

Mr Reilly, from Kilkeel in County Down, is a member of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

He was also UKIP's candidate in last year's European elections, in which he received more than 24,000 votes.

When he was asked about his suspension on the BBC's Talkback programme on Thursday, Mr Reilly said he had not been "kicked out of the party".

He said the party's Northern Ireland regional organiser, Brian Higginson, who he described as "a good friend" had sought permission to have him suspended.

"I'm still a fully functioning UKIP councillor. It is just an internal party issue that just needs to be resolved now," he said.

Asked about his relationship with Mr McNarry, Mr Reilly said he had "tremendous respect for him in aspects and in other aspects I'm not just full of praise for him".

But in response, Mr McNarry told the BBC: "There is no ambiguity in my mind. I have seen the letter of suspension from the party chairman sent to Henry Reilly and there is no doubt that Mr Reilly was suspended as a member of UKIP.

"In that letter, he is clearly informed he cannot act in any capacity as a member of UKIP."