A FIREFIGHTER who made a hugely offensive comment about Down's Syndrome to a colleague whose son has the condition has been suspended.

On the eve of World Down's Syndrome Day, which took place on Wednesday, Barrow and Walney firefighter Mike Wilkinson posted a Facebook status urging his friends and family to wear odd socks to raise awareness of the condition.

Young and old people across Barrow, Ulverston and Millom, including many of the firefighter's colleagues, proudly donned their odd socks in support of Mr Wilkinson's 11-year-old son Enzo-Ty, who has Down's Syndrome.

But Peter Clives, one of Mr Wilkinson's fire service colleagues, sparked widespread outrage when he commented on the Facebook post with a hugely offensive comment, which The Mail has chosen not to repeat.

A number of complaints were subsequently made to Cumbria County Council's Fire & Rescue Service. No complaint was made by either Mr or Mrs Wilkinson.

John McVay, assistant chief fire officer, said an investigation had been launched into the matter and last night Mr Clives was summoned to a meeting where he was suspended.

"These comments are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service," Mr McVay said.

"We consider this a disciplinary matter and are conducting an investigation.

"I would like to sincerely apologise on behalf of the service for the offence and distress these comments have caused and will be contacting the family directly in this regard.”

Mr Clives, a 49-year-old who has served in the Royal Navy, is understood to be in his final 12 months with the fire service before he is due to retire. He currently works from Ulverston Fire Station but has worked in Barrow and lives in Kendal.

Confirming the suspension, a spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: "Peter Clives has been suspended without prejudice pending the outcome of an internal investigation.”