KENT’S youth crime commissioner Paris Brown has stepped down from the job, just six days after being appointed to the £15,000-a-year post.

The announcement comes in the wake of news that tweets posted by Paris Brown, 17, are being investigated by police following complaints from the public.

Speaking at a press conference in Maidstone this afternoon, Miss Brown said: "I have made the decision to decline the offer of the position of Kent Youth Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I have made this decision after a great deal of thought and consultation with my family.

“As I made clear over the weekend, I accept that I have made comments on social networking sites which have offended many people.

"I am really sorry for any offence caused.

“I strongly reiterate that I am not racist or homophobic. 

"I have fallen into the trap of behaving with bravado on social networking sites.

"I hope this may stand as a learning experience for many other young people.

“I now feel that in the interests of everyone concerned, in particular the young people of Kent who I feel will benefit enormously from the role of a Youth Commissioner, that I should stand down as I feel that the recent media furore will continue and hamper my ability to perform the job to the level required.

“I would like to thank those people who have sent messages of support and understanding.

“I wish the Commissioner, Kent Police and the person eventually appointed to this role every success.

“Finally, I ask for the time and space to recover from what has been a very difficult time and to allow me to move on.”

Miss Brown was chosen from 164 applicants to become the UK’s first youth police and crime commissioner last Wednesday.

But she came under-fire at the weekend for her foul mouthed comments on Twitter between the ages of 14 and 16.

She denied being homophobic, racist or violent and says she is against the taking of drugs, despite a reference on Twitter to making "hash brownies.”

Mrs Barnes, 67, who is paying £5,000 of Miss Brown's salary from her own pay, said she did not condone the nature of the tweets but asked for some perspective due to Miss Brown's age.

Speaking at the press conference this afternoon, she told reporters: "This is a very sad day in a number of different ways.

"It is personally sad for Paris and her family.

"An enthusiastic young woman with exceptional skills and a proven track record in working with young people has ended up in a position where she has turned down the job for a lifetime for her."

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "Kent Police has today received a number of complaints about statements posted on social media.

“Kent Police officers are investigating circumstances to determine whether any offences have been committed."