The newly-elected Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets posted a threat of violence on Twitter last week, just days after being unveiled in his new role.

Mahdi Alam, who campaigned on a pledge to tackle youth crime and violence, took to the social networking site on Friday to launch an unexplained tirade, visible to all of his followers.

The tweets - which were later deleted - said: “Even if you beet me up, I’ll still be young mayor. So what do you achieve.. [sic]

“To be frank. You’ll always be the looser [sic]. As my boys will pretty much kill you. Pahahaa.”

Mahdi, who attends Stepney Green School, was unveiled as the winner of the young mayoral election at a Town Hall ceremony on January 31.

The 16-year-old, who is due to be inaugurated later in February and should serve a two year term, later took to Twitter to apologise for the threats.

“Last week I posted in frustration about my feelings on certain matters.

“I realise that this was an inappropriate way to comment about my feelings and apologise if I offended anyone.

“I am new to this role and now fully understand my responsibilities…”

The tirade follows Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman proclaiming the success of the elections in engaging young people with local politics.

A council spokeswoman said officers were to review the situation before deciding on what action to take.

“The role is a high profile one and all candidates are reminded that high standards of personal conduct are required of them during their election campaign and when they are in office”, she added.