A society at the University of Kent has been suspended following allegations of racism.

The university's student union has launched an investigation after a blog published yesterday revealed dozens of messages allegedly posted on the Liberty Union's Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp groups.

Kent Anti-Racist News says the messages were leaked to it by a disgruntled member of the society.

The Liberty Union has since apologised for any offence caused to students at the university.

The messages contain references to the "brownshirts" and disparaging remarks about multiculturalism.

One of them read: "We need a student watch. Like neighbourhood watch, but with cool brownshirts, cute armbands and billy clubs."

Responding to the message, a member of the group added: "And a Students for Liberty pin."

Another screenshot showed a person linking multiculturalism to crime.

In further messages, a member of the group claimed he had former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson's contact details.

A statement released by the Liberty Union insisted the messages had been taken out of context.

“We believe these comments are entirely misrepresented and taken out of context, and do not represent the views and principles of the Liberty Union,” it said.

“The ideology of libertarianism, by its very nature, is at complete odds with any form of racism, fascism, or anti-Semitism.

“We have provided Kent Union with full access to our group chat and screenshots both immediately before and after the ones posted by Kent Anti-Racist News, as we believe the context will prove that there is no racism or malicious intent in any of the comments whatsoever.

“It is worth also stating that none of the comments were directed at any individuals, and as such we apologise if they have caused offence or hurt to anyone at the University of Kent or in the wider community.”

The society added that it has suspended some of its members and will be taking disciplinary action against them for the “jokes”.

A statement released by Kent Union said the messages "go against everything that we stand for and believe in".

It added: "We have been contacted by a number of students presenting evidence claiming messages of distasteful and racist tone were allegedly sent by members of UKC Liberty Union on private social media platforms.

"We are proud to protect the rights of all individuals on campus and will investigate these allegations, alongside the University of Kent.

"In the meantime, the society has been suspended, while we carry out a full investigation into the allegations made against UKC Liberty Union.

"We condemn, and will not tolerate, any form of racism or hate speech."

The society courted controversy last month after inviting Katie Hopkins to the university to address students.

At the time, members said the former Apprentice contestant had been “largely misrepresented”.

Last year, Kent Union also tried block the Liberty Union's attempts to invite controversial YouTuber Carl Benjamin, who is known as Sargon of Akkad.

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