Birmingham Liberal Democrats were in turmoil last night after regional officials suspended the Perry Barr and Ladywood constituency party amid claims of infiltration by militant Asians.

At least 60 new members face an investigation to discover whether they are true Liberal Democrat supporters with a belief in the party's constitution and aims, a source revealed.

The circumstances surrounding the selection of candidates for the Aston city council by-election earlier this year will also be examined after claims that proper procedures were ignored.

Councillor Jon Hunt, chairman of the Perry Barr and Ladywood party, confirmed that constituency officials had agreed to a regional office request to voluntarily suspend the party.

He said there were serious concerns about a sudden increase in membership which could be a sign of entryism - members attempting to pack meetings with their friends in order to gain selection for council seats.

Entryism was one of the charges levelled a week ago against Coun Talib Hussain, who was sacked from the council cabinet.

Coun Hussain (Sparkbrook Ind), who has since resigned from the Liberal Democrat party, was accused of recruiting scores of members in Perry Barr and Ladywood.

Coun Hussain, who denies the allegation, insisted the decision to suspend Perry Barr and Ladywood was primarily driven by the "unfair, unjust and undemocratic" selection of candidates in Aston.