POLICE are investigating Facebook comments by a DJ booked for Bradford Pride, after a complaint that they were offensive to gay people.

Organisers have now removed Scott Page from next month's event.

The Leeds entertainer has insisted to the Telegraph & Argus that he was not homophobic.

He had been booked to perform with other DJs at the event, after he was recommended to organisers.

But Jason Courcoux, of the event's steering committee, said: "We are pulling him out, in view of the comments. We are trying to protect the event."

The Facebook postings on Mr Page's site were highlighted in an email from Darren Hardcastle, who claimed they were "openly homophobic and abusive".

They included references to Star Wars as "Gay-Wars," and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig as "Paul Fag."

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Another post read: "Can't wait for Rewind tonight, had 3 days off and I'm itching to smash somewhere!!!! I might take it all out on the gayers."

A message with separate photos of two men and Japanese women in bikinis, read: "Mansfield Lesbians, Tokyo Lesbians."

The Telegraph & Argus was unable to contact the sender of the email, which was also forwarded to police and the Bradford Bulls, whose stadium is the venue for the event on May 28.

Mr Courcoux said: "I think there's a hidden agenda. No-one else has contacted us about Scott. He was recommended by a number of people and has played at various venues."

He added: "Everyone is allowed their opinions. It's whether someone takes offence."

West Yorkshire Police said the comments had been brought to their attention. A spokesman said: "We will make enquiries into any criminal offences which may have been committed and look to bringing those responsible to justice."

A spokesman for the Bradford Bulls said: "We will never support any type of attack on any minority community, whatever their creed, race or sexual orientation.

"We are confident the police and the Bradford Pride committee will make the correct decisions on the way forward, and the Bradford Bulls will support 100 per cent the decisions that they make."

Mr Courcoux added: "We have got one of the best line ups Bradford Pride has ever had, and some of the biggest support from the community as a whole.

"We have some very positive plans for next year, if we are allowed to steer and drive it.

"We are trying to put on a good event, and things like this hinder that."

Representatives from businesses, including pubs and clubs, stepped in when the original Bradford Pride - an annual event celebrating the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community - was suddenly cancelled because of increased running costs and licensing issues.

DJ Scott Page claimed somebody was trying to destroy his reputation.

He said the Facebook posts were "tongue in cheek".

Mr Page said: "I find it very offensive to call me homophobic. One of my family is homosexual and my best friend is homosexual. I work in gay clubs and I work with a drag queen. It's my job, my career. It's entertainment."