Labour says it has “withdrawn support” for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali following his comments about Israel.

Mr Ali has been suspended from the Labour Party pending an investigation.

Labour said the decision was taken after “new information about further comments” made by Mr Ali came to light and according to BBC it is too late for Labour to replace Mr Ali as its candidate, the party said.

Mr Ali is alleged to have told a Labour party meeting that Israel had “allowed” the deadly attack by Hamas gunmen on 7 October.

Labour has faced intense pressure since the remarks surfaced, which have been condemned by both party members and political rivals.