Controversial Kent comic Lee Hurst has been "reported for incitement" after apparently supporting the yobs who abused England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty.

In a tweet just before 8am today, shortly after video footage emerged of Mr Whitty being attacked, Hurst, 57, who lives near Sittingbourne, said: "Whatever has happened to Chris Whitty is not enough."

He then added a foul-mouthed explanation of what he would like to see happen to the Government's coronavirus advisor before adding: "You support a regime that slaughtered thousands in care homes so I think you have the edge."

The outburst immediately drew a furious backlash from some of his 18,000 followers on the social media platform.

Several said they had reported him to Twitter and one said: "You seem to be inciting violence against a scientist. Reported."

Another replied: "You should be grateful to him. Thanks to the 30 person limit, your tour can officially be classed as a sell-out."

One replied: "I'd rather listen to someone who has five medical degrees, still does his rounds and worked on Christmas Day on a virus that he will slightly know more about than a washed up 'comic'. You've never had an edge."

Hurst, who rose to fame as a member of the TV sports quiz show They Think It's All Over and has strong connections with the Isle of Sheppey, is no stranger to controversy.

He upset the Twitterati earlier this month with a comment about youngsters being given Covid jabs acting as heroes, and in March he was suspended by Twitter for an "offensive" tweet about activist Greta Thunberg.

Last October, he sparked a social media storm by refusing to wear a face mask in Morrisons, which drew criticism from the like of presenter Piers Morgan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the "despicable harassment" of Professor Whitty after footage emerged of him being manhandled by two men in the street.

A video, which appeared on Twitter, shows the professor struggling to free himself from the men's grasp as they cling on to him, laughing and posing for the camera.

Police said they were investigating the incident.

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