The BBC has apologised after posting a poll asking whether gay conversion therapy should be banned.

BBC Radio Kent tweeted the survey as part of a discussion on today's breakfast show about the prevalence of the controversial practice.

Following a furious backlash on social media, the broadcaster deleted the tweet and issued an apology, saying it had breached its guidelines.

The offending tweet said: "TV Doctor @DrRanj has told breakfast gay conversion therapy is akin to psychological abuse. Should gay conversion therapy be banned?"

The two options given were "yes, it should be banned" and "it's acceptable practice".

The poll was branded "shameful" and "horrible" by Twitter users.

In the programme, Kent GP Dr Ranj Singh called for gay conversion therapy to be outlawed.