Durham University students branded 'pathetic' by professor after staging walkout during Rod Liddle speech

Durham University professor Tim Luckhurst is under investigation after he branded a walkout by students "pathetic".

The academic made the comment as the woke walkout took place during a speech by journalist Rod Liddle.

The university has launched an investigation into the professor's conduct, despite him sending an email of apology to the students.

Mr Luckhurst has now been barred from attending a business trip to America with the university, and he did not make a scheduled speech.

Rod Liddle is understood to have criticised the left during his speech, saying they are ignoring science over transgender issues.

Students are believed to have shouted "disgusting" and "racist" as Liddle concluded his speech and left the venue.

Tim Luckhurst is said to have told students in an email that they had "as much right to absent themselves from the speech as my guest had to make it".

Palatinate reports that Luckhurst added, "‘My anger reflected my sincere commitment to freedom of speech. However, I was wrong to describe the students’ action as pathetic and I apologise unreservedly".

A Durham University spokesman commented, "A spokesman added: ‘We are looking into this as a matter of urgency, and an investigation into the circumstances is now under way".