So-called Falkirk FC supporters are supposed to be behind chilling warnings on the fans' internet forum One F in Falkirk.

It is understood one posting suggested stabbing or shooting the councillors.

Members of Falkirk Council's administration, which is Labour-led but includes Tories and Independents, have come under fire over decisions made about the future of the football club's stadium at Westfield.

The most offensive website posting was removed at the end of last week – but calls to chant "scum" at councillors attending football matches and a boycott of those with businesses can still be viewed.

Council leader Linda Gow, who is one of those targeted, said she was appalled at the comments.

She was also unhappy that it took more than four weeks before one of the most controversial comments was pulled by those who run the website.

She said: "These people are cowards who hide behind anonymity on this site. I believe they do not represent the majority of Falkirk fans who want the best for the stadium.

"This is the sort of behaviour you might expect in some tinpot democracy but not here. However, we will not bow to these threats or intimidation."

Councillor Gow is not a regular attender at Falkirk matches but seven members of her family, whose ages range from 11 to 75, are season ticket holders.

She added: "Of course, I'm concerned for their safety. But those making the threats are using the football club."

At the last meeting of Falkirk Council on April 30, members were given a progress report on Falkirk Community Stadium Ltd, of which the local authority is a shareholder.

Last June it had been agreed to make Terrace Hill (Falkirk) Ltd the preferred developer for the remainder of the stadium site.

However, last month councillors heard there had been "frustration" at the lack of progress and they agreed to a recommendation to change the preferred developer to Henry Boot Developments Ltd, the firm currently involved in the redevelopment of Denny town centre.

It is expected they could bring plans for developing the stadium to the council as soon as next month.

A move by the SNP to include additional land in the stadium site was defeated.

This appears to be what the alleged fans are objecting to most.

Councillor David Alexander, SNP group leader, said: "I have read the debate within the Falkirk fans site and find it remarkably well informed and reasonably balanced.

"There is criticism of various local elected members, including myself, but if you want to be in positions of responsibility, you have to be prepared to accept flack when it comes your way."

George Craig, Falkirk FC's managing director, said: "Obviously the club does not condone threatening and menacing behaviour towards anyone.

''The club and the council have worked together over the past five years on the stadium and we are all frustrated that we have not yet been able to complete the project.

"Our supporters share that frustration, but the answer is not to threaten or intimidate as this very small minority are alleged to have done."

Confirming a police investigation was underway, Falkirk area commander Superintendent Robbie McGregor said: "We have received complaints regarding the content of a website which we are investigating. As it is subject to an ongoing police inquiry it would be inappropriate to comment further."

This week,, some fans who use the website distanced themselves from the threatening comments.

A spokesman for STAND UP for Falkirk said the remarks were counter-productive to its campaign, which aimed to take forward the stadium development through cross-party support.

He said: "We do not want any attention to be diverted from the key issue – the stadium's completion – because of one or two foolish comments on a website."