A Conservative councillor has been sacked after cracking a joke about the shooting deaths of two policewomen.
David Stephenson was serving on Erewash borough council in Derbyshire when he said "If you get 100 points for shooting one policewoman and 200 points for shooting two policewomen, how many do you get for shooting a lawyer?"
His comments followed the murder of Pcs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in a gun and grenade attack in Greater Manchester last week.
A vigil was held in memory of the officers on Tuesday
The Tory councillor made the offensive remarks in front of the wife of a serving police officer, who told her husband, a sergeant with Nottinghamshire Police.
He then complained to the council, who removed him from his post.
Chris Corbett, leader of the council, said he was "appalled" to hear about the comments.
In a statement, Mr Corbett said: "I was appalled to learn of the words used by councillor Stephenson to a lady who unbeknown to him was the wife of a serving police officer.
"It is not possible to remove him as a borough councillor as he has been elected to that position by residents in his constituency.
However, his name has been removed from the list of approved Conservative candidates and he will not be allowed to stand for re-election.
"As regards to his position as a member of the Conservative Group, there are rules which have to be followed, however disciplinary procedures have already begun. This is a matter for the Conservative group as a whole, but things will be progressed as quickly as possible.
"I support the police completely in the difficult job they do serving our communities and want residents to know that the words used by councillor Stephenson do not reflect in any way the opinions of myself or the Conservative Party locally or nationally.
"As the father of a serving police officer myself, I am well aware of the hurt being suffered by the police force at present and know the worries experienced by their families.
"I apologise for the great upset this matter has clearly caused to all those involved."
The sacking comes as the row continues over comments reportedly made by Conservative chief whip Andrew Mitchell to two police officers in Downing Street.
Andrew Mitchell, Chief Whip, reportedly called police officers 'f***ing plebs'