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A Question Time audience member sparked outrage after claiming most people using food banks are drinkers and smokers who have Sky TV.

The man made the statement on Thursday night’s BBC programme, suggesting his opinion was valid because he “knew” people who used food banks.

He said: “I haven't visited a food bank but I know people who have.

“The vast majority of them that do go for free food smoke, drink and have Sky television."

At this point jeers rang out in the audience, as he added: “That is the truth”.

He was responding to the question: “Should we hang our heads in shame that in one of the richest countries in the world people are queuing for food?”

Audience members did not agree with his claims, with one saying: “Last night I travelled through Wigan town centre and I saw 10 people sitting in doorways, obviously not watching Sky.

“The benefits system we all all refer to is the main reason people are falling out of society and living on the streets. There’s been an exponential increase in homelessness.”

He then pointed at Tory Brexit Secretary David Davis and said: “You are partly responsible”.

When the show was aired on BBC last night, viewers reacted with fury on social media.

One Twitter user, who was sat next to the controversial audience member, said: “I was sat next door to this chap, I 100 per cent disagree with he said, but he was a nice bloke.”

Another added: “What a ridiculous comment. You should come to my local #foodbank sir, where I volunteer, and then see if you leave with the same attitude!”

Meanwhile another said: “I think he should be made to volunteer in a food bank to get to know the REAL people and not what he “THINKS” he knows as the truth.”

The episode of BBC Question Time was recorded in Wigan, with a panel including David Davis, Labour's Rebecca Long-Bailey, UKIP leader Paul Nuttall, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and CEO of Seimens UK Jueren Maier.