Two Tory councillors are to be questioned by police investigating an alleged racist slur against Travellers.

The travellers were allegedly called "gipsy scum" when confronted by residents angry at them moving on to land at Happy Valley in Woodingdean, Brighton.

One complained to police and an investigation is being carried out by the Anti Victimisation Unit, which handles hate crime.

Two Woodingdean councillors were at the scene when the incident is alleged to have taken place on April 18.

A police spokeswoman said: "One of the travellers made an allegation of a racially-motivated incident."

Officers would not divulge the names of people they intend to interview but we have learned they include councillors Geoff Wells and Dee Simson.

The two said there was a heated verbal exchange but nothing racist was said. If anything, it was they who were abused.

Coun Wells said police time would be better spent investigating threats made by travellers against his wife, Sally, who was also at the scene.

He said one drove his 4x4 vehicle at her and one called him a "******* perv" and his wife "an old slag". One allegedly threatened to kill the couple's dog.

He said: "I don't recall any racist remarks being said by anyone."

Coun Simson said she too was abused and one traveller had threatened to tow her car away.

After receiving numerous calls from angry residents she had gone to the site on her own. As she was leaving, caravans were turning in.

She said one vehicle drove at hers and came close to colliding.

She said residents had tried to stop the travellers taking over what was a family area for children and dog walkers because the last time travellers were there they had left behind rubbish and excrement.

The travellers and up to 30 caravans left the site the day after the confrontation.

Police have informed Brighton and Hove City Council two of its elected members are to be questioned.

A council spokesman said: "Mr Panter's response was that the councillors concerned were acting in a private capacity, not representing the council, and as such should be treated as any other private individual.

"The council would never condone abusing travellers or confrontational behaviour of any kind."

Emma Nuttall, spokesperson for Friends, Families and Travellers, which offers advice and information to travellers, said police and the city council had a good strategy to deal with problems concerning travellers and residents should leave it to them.