POLICE are investigating comedian Jo Brand after she joked about throwing acid at politicians.
Metropolitan Police confirmed it is assessing remarks made on BBC Radio 4's Heresy programme on Tuesday following an allegation of incitement to violence.
Brand sparked outrage on BBC Radio 4's Heresy programme after saying a string of milkshake attacks on politicians such as Nigel Farage should have been carried out with acid instead.
The comedian told Radio 4 show Heresy that yobs who attacked Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage with milkshakes were “pathetic”, adding: “Why bother with a milkshake when you could get some battery acid?”
The 61-year-old told The Sun she had nothing to say to those offended by her comments outside her £1.9m house in leafy Dulwich, South East London today.
The BBC has also refused to apologise for broadcasting the outrageous remarks, saying the comedy programme 'is not meant to be taken seriously'.
A Scotland Yard statement said: "Police have received an allegation of incitement to violence that was reported to the MPS on June 13.
"The allegation relates to comments made on a radio programme. The allegation is currently being assessed. There have been no arrests and inquiries are ongoing."
COMIC REFUSES TO APOLOGISE
The comic has been blasted by acid attack victims who called for her to be investigated by police over her 'vile' and 'deeply stupid' remarks.
Joe Davies – who was left with horrific injuries after having drain cleaner hurled at him – told The Sun Online: "It's disgusting. I can't comprehend how someone could say that and anyone could stand by it saying it's funny.
"The police should investigate if it's calling for this to happen to someone else, it shouldn't just be brushed under the carpet."
Speaking outside her home, Brand, 61, said she had nothing to say to Farage or people offended by her comments.
She added: "I think if they (critics) want an answer there have been plenty of explanations by the BBC and Victoria Coren."
When asked if she would continue working with the BBC, she told The Sun: "I'm not employed by the BBC, so how can they sack me?"
Politicians should be able to go about their work and campaign without harassment, intimidation or abuse
And asked if she had anything to say to Farage, she simply said: "No".
Clutching a coffee cup with 'Damned' written on the front she laughed as she was driven away from the property to attend a launch for her latest book in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.
She again refused to apologise to reporters outside the event, insisting freedom of speech in comedy is "extremely important".
Fellow comedian Frank Skinner defended Brand, saying: "I think it is difficult to say anything in public life at all. When kids play Hangman, is that a devil may care attitude to capital punishment?
"I don't think Jo, for one second, would want anyone to commit an act of violence – even against Nigel Farage."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Theresa May has said BBC should explain why it broadcast the comments.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has been repeatedly clear that politicians should be able to go about their work and campaign without harassment, intimidation or abuse.
Brand, 61, told the programme on Tuesday: “Certain unpleasant characters are being thrown to the fore and they’re very, very easy to hate.
“And I’m kind of thinking, why bother with a milkshake when you could get some battery acid?”
As the audience laughed she added: “That’s just me. I’m not going to do it, it’s purely a fantasy. But I think milkshakes are pathetic, I honestly do.”
Despite broadcasting watchdog Ofcom confirming it had received 19 complaints since the show aired on Tuesday, the BBC refused to condemn the remarks.
A spokeswoman said: "Heresy is a long-running comedy programme where, as the title implies and as our listeners know, panellists often say things which are deliberately provocative but are not intended to be taken seriously."
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