Paris Brown resigns over Tweets

Kent's embattled youth crime commissioner Paris Brown stood down today - two days after it was revealed that she'd posted a series of offensive messages on Twitter. The above report from Nashreen Issa contains flashing images.

Video: a clip from the press conference, when Paris Brown announces that she is resigning as Youth Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent.

"I have made the decision after a great deal of thought and consultation with my family. As I made clear at the weekend, I accept that I have made comments on social networking sites which have offended many people. I am really sorry for any offence caused.

"I strongly reiterate that I am not racist or homophobic. I have fallen into the trap of behaving with bravado on social networking sites. I hope that this this may stand as a learning experience for many other young people.

"I would like to thank those people who have sent messages of support and understanding. I wish the Commissioner, Kent Police and the person eventually appointed to this role every success".

Ann Barnes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent: "I take responsibility for everything that happens on my watch, good or bad.

"It is personally sad for Paris and her family. An enthusiastic young woman with exceptional skills and a proven track record in working with young people has ended up in a position where she has turned down the job of a lifetime for her.

"There have been calls for me to resign I am not a quitter by nature. Some have said that this has damaged by reputation To them I say this: reputations are made as much by your actions when things are tough.

"We worked with the best of intentions but sadly on this occasion it hasn't worked out".

Paris Brown is to resign as Youth Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent over her controversial tweets. More shortly.

Reporters have been invited to a press conference to discuss Kent Youth Police and Crime Commissioner Paris Brown's future, it's been announced.

Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, will be giving a statement on the Youth Commissioner post.

The announcement follows calls for 17-year-old Miss Brown, Britain's first Youth Police and Crime Commissioner, to step down just a week after taking the post.

She has apologised for what she describes as her "use of inappropriate language" following complaints after Tweets she posted between the ages of 14 and 16.

The press conference will take place at 3pm.

Police are investigating social media messages written by Britain's first youth police and crime commissioner following complaints by the public.

Kent police officers will decide whether Paris Brown, 17, has committed any offences in writing apparently racist, violent and anti-gay tweets.

The teenager has apologised for what she describes as her "use of inappropriate language" for the tweets which she posted between the ages of 14 and 16.

Tonight the force said: "Kent Police has today received a number of complaints about statements posted on social media. Kent Police officers are investigating circumstances to determine whether any offences have been committed."

The country's first youth police and crime commissioner is facing increasing demands to resign, despite apologising for posting offensive language on the internet. Paris Brown was given the £15,000 a year job to represent the young people of Kent. Tom Savvides reports.

Ramsgate MP Laura Sandys has echoed her Conservative colleague Damian Collins' call for embattled 17-year-old Paris Brown to step down as Kent's youth police commissioner.

She Tweeted publicly to the Folkestone MP: "Paris Brown should step down as Youth Crime Tsar for Kent.">> totally agree.Gimmicks always backfire #morepolicinglessParis"

Miss Brown, Britain's first youth police commissioner, apologised yesterday for "inappropriate language and views" she posted on her Twitter account.

The offensive tweets, which included references to taking drugs, were posted by the teenager from the ages of 14 to 16, but have now been deleted.

Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, has Tweeted this morning: "Paris Brown should step down as Youth Crime Tsar for Kent. The role should never have been created, nor a 17 year old put through this."