The BBC has edited Jo Brand's "battery acid" joke out of the catch-up version of this Tuesday's edition of Radio 4 programme Heresy.

They have issued the following statement:

"We carefully considered the programme before broadcast. It was never intended to encourage or condone violence, and it does not do so, but we have noted the strong reaction to it. Comedy will always push boundaries and will continue to do so, but on this occasion we have decided to edit the programme. We regret any offence we have caused."

It has also been reported that the Metropolitan Police Force is assessing the "battery acid" joke made by Jo Brand on the Radio 4 comedy Heresy following an allegation of incitement to violence.

A spokesperson for the Met said: "Police have received an allegation of incitement to violence that was reported to the MPS on 13 June. 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."

Brand said on the first edition of the new series 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?'" and then followed it up by clarifying that she was being satirical: "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, sorry."

Following a complaint from Nigel Farage that "the police need to act" the BBC said of the show, which was created by David Baddiel, "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 and go against societal norms but are not intended to be taken seriously."

Nigel Farage also tweeted: "I am sick to death of overpaid, left wing, so-called comedians on the BBC who think their view is morally superior. Can you imagine the reaction if I had said the same thing as Jo Brand?"

Today (Thursday) a spokesman for the Prime Minister has said: "The Prime Minister has consistently said politicians should be able to campaign without harassment, intimidation and abuse. It is for the BBC to explain why it was appropriate content to broadcast."