A politician is being investigated over allegedly sending hateful messages to a Muslim colleague.

Dundee City councillor Craig Melville has been suspended from his role as an aide to SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie over the allegations.

According to the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Melville is alleged to have sent a number of texts to an unnamed woman within the party, a day after the Paris terror attacks.

One text allegedly read: "It's not personal I just f------ hate your religion and I'll do all in I'm life do defeat your filth." (sic)

Another said: "And in your favour we live in an uneducated left lift loopy left wing society who is more interested in claiming benefits and being ignorant to the threat of your horrible disease which is a make believe c--- in the sky. (sic)

"Horrible murdering Islamic c---s."

The Record said another message apparently referred to the SNP's international development minister, Humza Yousaf, who visited the Greek island of Lesbos in October to see the plight of Syrian refugees.

It said: "And Muslim politicians in the UK have a duty to speak out and educate.

"That should be their number one priority, not staged photos taking refugees off boats and writing patronising messages of support. Had to unfollow that c---."

An SNP spokesman said: "The SNP condemns Islamophobia in the strongest possible terms and we will not tolerate it in our party.

"Craig Melville has been immediately suspended from the SNP and from his employment."

Mr Melville said: "I will be cooperating fully with any investigation."