A HAMPSHIRE councillor has come under fire for making “horrific” comments about an alleged rape victim.

Philip Drury, shadow cabinet leader of East Hampshire District Council, posted that “no-one would want to” rape a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted in Italy.

Serena Bowes, 21, is facing extradition because Italian police believe she may have made up the incident.

Commenting on the story on Facebook, Mr Drury wrote: “Not sure anyone would even want to think about it looking at her lol.”

Hampshire County Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “It's a dreadful thing to say and I think it's appalling that anyone would say that.

“It's horrific and I don't think it's the kind of thing that anyone should be saying.

“That sort of comment is totally inappropriate.”

Daily Echo:

Miss Bowes, a fashion student from Newcastle, who has waived her right to anonymity, told officers she was attacked by a man in a nightclub bathroom in Florence, but after returning home discovered a letter from police revealing that she could be charged with making up the assault.

When contacted by the Daily Echo Mr Drury said he had deleted the post and accepted that it was a “disgusting thing to say”, but said he was tired after working an all-night shift and finishing at 7.30am.

He said: “I don't agree with that sort of thing. I get very tired and forgetful and I don't go on Facebook very often.

“It's an absolutely disgusting thing to say.”

Other Facebook users reacted with fury, with one labelling Mr Drury a “pitiful excuse for a human being” and another saying they would not want to be represented by a councillor who made the comment.

An East Hampshire council spokesman said: “East Hampshire District Council is appalled at these comments and has launched an immediate disciplinary investigation.”