The BBC is facing criticism following their Question Time Leaders' Debate amid claims they edited out laughter directed at the Prime Minister.

Boris Johnson took to the stage with leaders of Westminster's other largest parties; Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson and Nicola Sturgeon.

They were each given 30 minutes to take questions from the live audience in Sheffield, but the reaction to one question has left BBC producers under fire.

The first audience member to question the Prime Minister said: "I’d just like to ask you how important is it for someone in your position of power to always tell the truth?"

READ MORE: Question Time audience bursts into laughter over panellists' Boris Johnson comment

In footage broadcast on the Friday night show, the audience can be heard laughing during the applause at the tail end of the question.

However, eagle-eyed Twitter users noticed a distinct difference in the footage shown on Saturday's News at One.

The question is played in full once more, however, the laughter is hardly audible against the applause.

It has sparked a fresh bias accusation from users on social media, with one saying the difference is 'utterly extraordinary'.

BBC responded to one of the accusatory tweets and said the clip was deliberately shortened for timing reasons.

They wrote: "This clip, which was played in full on the 10 o’clock news last night, was shortened for timing reasons in today’s lunchtime bulletin.

READ MORE: Question Time leaders debate as Jeremy Corbyn, Boris Johnson, Nicola Sturgeon and Jo Swinson face off

"We’ve fully covered Boris Johnson’s appearance on the BBC QT special, and the reaction to it, across our outlets."

Many users were quick to comment on the statement issued by the press office.

One wrote: "This is utter nonsense, by “shortening” it you fundamentally change its context and impact."

Another said: "'Shortened for timing reasons' - you literally took 1/2 a second out of it, which just happened to be the 1/2 a second the audience were laughing at Boris Johnson."