Police are investigating allegations that a Dundee councillor sent Islamophobic texts to a Muslim colleague in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.

Craig Melville is already being investigated by the Standards Commission and has been suspended from his role as an aide to SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie.

Police Scotland confirmed that a formal complaint had been made and officers are now investigating.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that a complaint was made on Monday January 18. Enquiries are at an early stage."

According to the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Melville is alleged to have sent a number of texts to an unnamed woman within the party, a day after the Paris attacks.

One text allegedly read: "It's not personal I just f------ hate your religion and I'll do all in I'm life do defeat your filth." (sic)

Another said: "And in your favour we live in an uneducated left lift loopy left wing society who is more interested in claiming benefits and being ignorant to the threat of your horrible disease which is a make believe c--- in the sky. (sic)

"Horrible murdering Islamic c---s."

The Record said another message apparently referred to the SNP's international development minister, Humza Yousaf, who visited the Greek island of Lesbos in October to see the plight of Syrian refugees.

It said: "And Muslim politicians in the UK have a duty to speak out and educate.

"That should be their number one priority, not staged photos taking refugees off boats and writing patronising messages of support. Had to unfollow that c---."

Mr Melville has already pledged to cooperate fully with any investigation.

Dundee City Council leader and fellow SNP member Ken Guild reported Mr Melville to the public standards watchdog.

He said: "If true, these allegations are extremely shocking, and are not the sort of behaviour acceptable for a member of Dundee City Council.

"I have written to the Standards Commission requesting that they carry out a full investigation."

An SNP spokesman said: "The SNP condemns Islamophobia in the strongest possible terms and we will not tolerate it in our party.

"Craig Melville has been immediately suspended from the SNP and from his employment."