A Bolton councillor has branded a Facebook comment which appears to have been posted under his name and picture as 'fake' which was 'designed to cause harm and distress'.

Cllr Derek Bullock said he was 'subject to a malicious and fake social media post' on a BBC Facebook page regarding the Manchester Arena bombing.

The post, which has been shared, contained offensive racist language.

The Bolton Conservative Group branded the Facebook post as fake last week when it first appeared on social media.

Cllr Bullock, who represents the Hulton Ward, said in a statement today: "Last week, w/e 9/4/23 I was subject to a malicious and fake social media post on a BBC South Facebook page regarding the Manchester Arena bombing.

"This fake post was clearly intended to cause harm and distress.

"I want to state categorically that I did not make those comments and I have overwhelming evidence that they were posted recently by a third party.

"Since this post was shared on social media me and my family have been subjected to considerable on-line abuse and death threat.

"I have passed on to the police all the threats I have received."

He added: "Whilst I appreciate most people have had the good sense not to share this fake post, I was saddened that some individuals and groups shared the post without any attempt at corroboration.

"I want to make it clear that I will be taking my evidence that the posts were faked to the police and in addition sharing with them the evidence I have collated as to who faked the post.

"Whilst I can’t pre-judge any action the police may take I will be asking for criminal charges to be pressed against the responsible party. Furthermore I am prepared to take civil litigation against any individual or organisation who continues to share this malicious and false information both on social media and through wider media outlets.

"Anyone who holds any position in the public eye can be targeted and attacked in this way and it is important that people who carry out these shameful acts are held to account.

"I am deeply sorry for any distress these posts have caused to my many friends and colleagues in the Asian community, however I am enormously grateful for the many messages of support I have received from the many individuals and groups I have worked with over many years."

But Bolton Conservative Party leader Cllr Martyn Cox had previously told The Bolton News that he and his colleagues believe the post has been faked and are working to find proof.