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The University of Essex has suspended one of its lecturers amid a row over antisemitism.

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) raised concerns about posts from the Facebook account of lecturer Dr Maaruf Ali, including one that read "the Zionists next want to create a society here at our university".

The UJS said it was "dismayed" to see those comments and was "deeply disappointed" that students had voted against setting up a Jewish society.

Allegations against Dr Ali are now being independently assessed.

It follows the decision of 200 students to vote against the establishment of a Jewish society.

The university said it would ensure a Jewish society was formed, regardless of whether it was ratified by the students' union.

It has also launched a review to ensure Jewish students and staff are provided with unequivocal support.

There will be a public event on 28 February in support of the university's Jewish community.

"To see the University of Essex associated with antisemitism has been a deeply shocking event and one which has filled me with great sadness," said Vice Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster.

"Antisemitism is antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and has no place at our university.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and hate crime which is at the very core of our values and beliefs.

"We are proud to subscribe to the working definition of antisemitism produced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

"Recent events have shown me we still have work to do and I am announcing a series of immediate actions to tackle all forms of antisemitism within our community."

The UJS said it welcomed Professor Forster's comments and commended the "swift, strong and supportive action taken".

The group added: "There is certainly still a long way to go until antisemitism is eradicated from university campuses, but we are heartened that these steps will make a significant impact on improving the lives of Jewish students at the University of Essex."