Councillors suspended and police inquiry starts over Facebook comments Published duration 3 January 2014

Two Labour councillors have been suspended by the party and a police investigation has started over alleged comments made on Facebook.

Naseem Ayub, who was also a prospective MEP candidate, and her husband Mohammad Ayub were suspended before Christmas.

Bedfordshire Police said officers were investigating potential offences under the Computer Misuse Act and Malicious Communications Act.

These cover the sending of malicious messages and/or inciting racial hatred.

"No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing," added a spokeswoman.

Remain councillors

The couple are being investigated by Labour's National Executive Committee over allegations of making inappropriate comments on Facebook.

Labour has not confirmed the nature of the comments.

An East of England Labour Party spokesperson said: "Following allegations about comments made on Facebook, Councillor Mohammad Ayub and Councillor Naseem Ayub were suspended from the Labour Party."

Mrs Ayub, an executive member of the council, has represented the Biscot ward since 2011.

Mr Ayub has been a councillor for the same ward since 2007.

They remain councillors and can still attend meetings as independents.

When the BBC contacted the couple, Mrs Ayub said they did not want to comment.