A horror film which features scenes of a Jewish family being terrorised in their home by neo-Nazis has been banned from Britain.

An application by the producers of Hate Crime to screen the feature in this country was rejected by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The 70-minute film focuses on the mutilation and sexual abuse of a family when antisemitic thugs break into their house during a party.

The BBFC said the “unacceptable” content was such a substantial part of the film that it could not be shown in cinemas or released on DVD even if the scenes were cut.

Issuing its decision on Monday, the BBFC said: “Hate Crime focuses on the terrorisation, mutilation, physical and sexual abuse and murder of the members of a Jewish family by the neo-Nazi thugs who invade their home.

“The physical and sexual abuse and violence are accompanied by constant strong verbal racist abuse. Little context is provided for the violence.

“To issue a classification to this work, even if confined to adults, would be inconsistent with the Board's guidelines, would risk potential harm, and would be unacceptable to broad public opinion.”

The film was made and written by American director James Cullen Bressack. In response to the BBFC decision he said: "I find it unbelievable that a film that shows little to no on-screen violence and no nudity was actually banned.

"It just shows the power of what is implied and people's imagination; and is a testament to the fact that the same crimes that happen in the world are truly horrifying.”

Danny Stone, director of the Parliamentary Committee Against Antisemitism Foundation, said: "We welcome this decision. We have worked closely with the BBFC over a number of years and are confident they not only have the right systems in place for certification but a robust position on antisemitism and racism."

Hate Crime was first shown in the United States in 2012.