A TORY councillor has apologised after he posted anti Black Lives Matter comments on social media, sparking fury among residents.

Charles Mumford, councillor for the Boyce ward in Castle Point, accused residents of having a “Black Lives Matter agenda” and being “shouty left-wing trolls” in a rant on Facebook.

He also encouraged residents “take him on” with their “BLM agenda.”

He has since apologised, and insisted the comments were “out of character.”

Official complaints have been lodged with Castle Point Council.

Mr Mumford said: “I probably responded out of character. Things got a bit heated in the comments and a bit silly really.

“I apologise if I upset some of the residents.

“The group was set up to discuss green belt land, which wasn’t what was being spoke about.

“People in there had an anti Conservative agenda, so I’ve left the group.”

The councillor’s comments initially defended fellow councillor Simon Hart, who had come under criticism in the Facebook group.

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Lisa Johnson, of the Chase in Benfleet, said: “I was shocked and quite angry to be honest.

“His apology afterwards wasn’t satisfactory either. He can’t be representing us with those views. He should keep them to himself.

“Residents feel like councillors don’t listen to them, and now they’re being rude.

“The whole thing came out of nowhere. There should be some sort of punishment.”

The comments were made in a Facebook group dedicated to debating the Castle Point local plan.

Mr Mumford has now left the group.

The comments read: “How’s your BLM defund the police campaign going with Castle Point residents?

“Try standing for election on that platform I dare you?

“I’m up for election in two years. Take me on with your BLM agenda.”

The controversy comes after a petition was launched earlier this month urging the Government to investigate the council over planning.

Norman Smith, the former leader, was found to have tried to gain an advantage for friends and family in the planning process.