A CREMATORIUM worker has been suspended after he posted online comments mocking the recently deceased.

Matthew Kay, who is employed as a technician at the West Road Crematorium in Newcastle, wrote a catalogue of vulgar and offensive comments on his Facebook page.

The Newcastle City Council employee posted the comments on the social networking site over a period of around three years.

This week he uploaded a photo of what appears to be the machine control buttons in the crematorium with tinsel around them, writing underneath: “Hurrah, it took me ages to put up the Christmas decorations at work today.”

On his Facebook page, Mr Kay wrote that he worked as a crematorium technician for the council and his job was “Full-time Cook”.

Among the so-called status updates were:

“ I think I have just cremated either wolverine or a terminator. Definitely more metal joints than bone.”

“In January, Newcastle City Council are raising their cremation fees. I really think they could have picked a better number than £666.”

“I think I have just broken a rib laughing at a funeral.”

At least when I burn myself at work, it’s always an interesting shape. So, today’s mark is brought to you by the bone insertion tip of a titanium hip joint.”

“Has collected so many skeletons from other people’s closets, he has no space for his own.”

“Just burned myself on a false knee.”

“Nothing like listening to 70s disco music when you’re cremating.”

“I’m going to do some cooking today.”

“Is happy that he doesn’t have to hide any bodies today.”

After Mr Kay uploaded a picture of tinsel around the operating buttons at the crematorium and wrote “Hurrah it took me ages to put up the Christmas decorations at work today”, a friend added: “Just toss an extra log on the fire if you want to create a more festive air.”

Mr Kay’s final comment before deleting his account after his posts were revealed to the council: “I think I have just cremated either wolverine or a terminator. Definitely more metal joints than bone”.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed Mr Kay’s suspension.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “We can confirm that the council on Friday suspended an employee as a result of these allegations.

“A formal investigation into the matter has now commenced.”