A sitting Maidstone councillor has been suspended from his party following allegations of assault.

The Liberal Democrat group announced they were suspending the membership of Richard Webb, who represents Coxheath and Hunton Ward "while the police investigate an incident in which he was involved."

Cllr Fran Wilson, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at Maidstone council said: "Richard is a hard-working councillor. He is committed to continuing to support the residents he represents in Coxheath and Hunton Ward. I hope this matter can be speedily resolved and his full membership restored."

Cllr Webb, a postman, was elected in 2015 and remains a borough councillor.

The accusations relate to an incident that occurred in Coxheath Village Hall on November 8 last year. Police said their investigations were "on-going."

Cllr Webb was contacted but declined to comment.

Alison Broom, the chief executive of Maidstone council, said: “Cllr Webb's suspension from the Liberal Democrat party changes the political make-up of the council.

"As a result a decision will be reached at the next full council meeting on Wednesday, February 28, as to how places on the committees will be re-allocated to ensure that political balance is maintained.”

The news comes at a bad time for the Liberal Democrats, who will be defending eight seats in May's local council elections.