An American congressman has been rebuked for appearing on camera inside the gas chambers at Auschwitz.

Clay Higgins, the US representative for Louisiana, is seen speaking to the camera at the spot where thousands of Jews were murdered at the hands of the Nazis.

The clip, which has been posted on YouTube, has been criticised by the people who run the museum and memorial at the notorious death camp in Poland.

Mr Higgins later shared the video on Facebook, describing it as "a stark reminder about the independence we celebrate on July 4”.

A tweet from the official account for the Auschwitz Memorial read: “Everyone has the right to personal reflections. However, inside a former gas chamber, there should be mournful silence. It’s not a stage.”

Everyone has the right to personal reflections. However, inside a former gas chamber, there should be mournful silence. It's not a stage. https://t.co/AN5aA1bYEU

— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) July 4, 2017

There is a clear and explicit sign outside the chambers which asks visitors to “maintain silence”, then adds: “Remember their suffering and show respect for their memory.”

During the clip, Mr Higgins is seen walking around the camp, comparing the horrors of the Nazis to the threat of global terrorism today.

He said: “It’s hard to walk away from gas chambers, ovens, without a very sober feeling of commitment, unwavering commitment, to make damn sure that the United States of America is protected from the evils of the world.”