Durham University launches probe into video which shows white man in blackface and a gold chain and trainers 'dressed as Kanye West'- but he claims he 'was a chimney sweep'

A university has launched an investigation into a social media video which shows a white man in blackface apparently dressed as Kanye West.

Durham University was made aware of the video amid claims it had been posted by one of its students.

A whistleblower said the person who posted the video claimed the man who wore black make-up said he was dressed as a chimney sweep, not West, despite him wearing a gold chain and trainers.

Durham University was made aware of the video amid claims it had been posted by one of its students

The white man claims that he was not attempting to imitate Kanye West, pictured, insisting his costume featuring him wearing black make up, a chunky gold chain and a tracksuit was a chimney sweep

She tweeted: 'The person who posted this claims that the guy is dressed up as a 'chimney sweeper.'

'Gold chain + cap + Yeezys = chimney sweeper???'

She also posted a still image showing the man in black make-up posing next to a woman dressed like Kim Kardashian.

Inquiries have established that the person featured in the clip, which appeared to be taken at a fancy dress party, was not a Durham University student, but inquiries were continuing into who posted it online.

A university spokesperson said: 'We have investigated this social media post and it appears that the individual featured is not a Durham University student.

'We continue to look into the circumstances in which the video was posted.'

In a series of tweets replying to the post alerting them to the video, the university said there was no place for racism at Durham.

The university tweeted: 'We condemn this post, which violates the values and behaviours that we uphold as a University community.'

It also said: 'Our students are regularly reminded to display positive and collegial conduct, and exercise responsibility and respect for others, particularly through their social media interactions.'

In September a prospective student had his offer of a place at Durham withdrawn after a series of online comments emerged which the university called 'utterly abhorrent'.