DORSET singer and political activist Billy Bragg came under fire today after claims that he supported beating up British National Party members in the street.

Mr Bragg, who lives near Burton Bradstock and is known for his support for left-wing causes, allegedly made the comments to a national newspaper after he took part in discussions with key government figures about the reform of the House of Lords.

It has angered officials in the far-right BNP, who have complained to police that the comments were an incitement to violence.

Members of the anti-immigration party have suggested if they made similar remarks about asylum seekers they would be arrested.

Tony North, who is one of seven people in the BNP due to stand in the European Elections for the South West region, is demanding an apology and has called on the Labour Party to condemn Mr Bragg for advocating violence.

Mr North said: "These sort of remarks are very irresponsible.

"If Mr Bragg disagrees with the policies of the British National Party he should argue them out in public.

"This is what political debate and our democratic system is all about."

He added: "Mr Bragg resides in the Euro constituency I am contesting on June 10. A complaint has therefore been registered by me with the police against Mr Bragg for incitement to violence against myself and members of myelection team."

Essex-born Mr Bragg, once dubbed the 'Bard of Barking,' is a celebrated singer and songwriter whose music has long been tied with politics and social issues.

He launched a tactical voting campaign in 2001 to rid Dorset of its Conservative MPs and is a regular performer at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.

He was not available for comment today.

A Labour Party spokes-man said Mr Bragg had been supportive of the party's aims for some time.

The spokesman said: "In light of Billy Bragg's comments, we share his concern at the extreme and destructive agenda of the BNP.

"We would, however, call upon people to demonstrate their disgust via the ballot box."

He added that no-one in the party would condemn Mr Bragg for his comments.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a complaint had been received about Billy Bragg and that the paperwork had been passed to Dorset Police for investigation.