A councillor has been suspended by the Labour Party and is under investigation over a racist comment he made on Facebook.

Bristol City councillor Fabian Breckels made the comment under a post of a photograph of an individual from an ethnic minority who was being accused of stealing copper gas canisters.

He wrote: “This idiot needs locking up, and if he’s not British, then he needs deporting afterwards.”

The post has since been deleted. In a statement, Mr Breckels said: “I unreservedly apologise for my comment and deeply regret making it.”

“I swiftly deleted the comment however I understand the hurt it may have caused,” he added.

Green councillor Lorraine Francis lives in the St George and Troopers Hill ward which Mr Breckels represents.

She said: “In a time when racist attacks are on the rise across the city, I am disgusted to see councillor Breckels use his platform to spew this racist rhetoric.”

A spokesperson for the Bristol Labour Group said Mr Breckels had been suspended with immediate effect.

“We have referred his conduct to the Labour Party for a full investigation,” they added.

Ms Francis said the comment had offended residents and called for Mr Breckels to resign.

“Following backlash from residents the comment was swiftly deleted. But the damage is done,” she said.

“This kind of racist behaviour should have no place in Bristol, a proud and diverse city of sanctuary.

“On behalf of the entire Bristol Green Party, I am calling for councillor Breckels to resign immediately, or for Labour to remove this man from office.”