UKIP has defended a local councillor after he was reported to Dudley Council by the Halesowen Yemeni Community Association over comments made online.

Stuart Henley, who represents Halesowen North, criticised the council’s decision to rent a youth centre to the association, saying “Yemeni teen males caused issues with females” in the town.

He has since dismissed allegations of racism from the association, saying he works closely with organisations representing ethnic minorities.

UKIP group leader Councillor Paul Brothwood has also defended his colleagues, saying elected representatives must be allowed to speak about concerns publicly.