A Labour councillor has been suspended from the party over allegations he posted homophobic comments online.

Tom McAughtrie, a senior Labour Group member at Dumfries and Galloway Council, is being investigated over the alleged comments made on social media.

Mr McAughtrie, who represents the Abbey ward, was suspended on Tuesday afternoon.

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: "Mr McAughtrie has been placed under administrative suspension from holding office or representing the Labour Party, and from Dumfries and Galloway Labour Group.

"It is important that these allegations are investigated."

A Labour source added: "There is absolutely no place in the Labour Party for homophobia."

A police spokesman confirmed a 65-year-old man from Dumfries had been reported to the procurator fiscal in relation to the Communication Act 2003.