UKIP has condemned a former Lord Mayor of Bradford and serving councillor Khadim Hussain for publishing a video on his Facebook page which suggested the Paris shootings were a hoax.

But Cllr Hussain (pictured) last defended himself, saying the offensive video which appeared on his page on Monday was deleted the moment he realised it was not a genuine news item from the BBC.

And he accused UKIP of trying to score cheap political points.

UKIP Bradford said it was horrified that an elected Bradford councillor had posted the bogus video “BBC admits Paris Shooting Fake” on his Facebook page.

UKIP chairman Jason Smith said: “While it is Mr Hussain’s right to believe in wild conspiracy theories, I personallyfind this totally disrespectful just a day after France’s day of mourning.”

Mr Smith also called on Labour group and council leader David Green to “discipline his Councillor.”

But Cllr Hussain dismissed UKIPs claims as “total and utter nonsense”.

“I mistakenly put the false video on my Facebook and as soon as it was pointed out as a fake I deleted it ,” he said. “It does show how careful you have to be with the Internet. I deplore the people responsible for making the video - people’s feelings should not be played with like this.”