The Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, apologised for any offence caused after he used the word 'twat' during a breakfast radio show interview.

When Absolute Radio host Christian O'Connell asked him about his views on Twitter, the Tory leader said: The trouble with Twitter, the instantness of it – too many twits might make a twat.

He compounded the slip-up when he said people were pissed off – sorry, I can't say that in the morning – angry with politicians.

While Cameron's aides pointed out that twat is not a swear word under radio guidelines and said he had apologised immediately for his latter comment, he later expressed contrition for his use of bad language.

You always have to be careful what you say. If I've caused any offence I obviously regret that, he told Sky News.

O'Connell praised the twat comment as fantastic.

David Cameron did not breach regulations by saying twat and pissed off on Christian O'Connell's Absolute Radio show, Ofcom has ruled.

The Conservative leader apologised after as he explained to Absolute Radio presenter Christian O'Connell why he did not use the Twitter social networking service.

During the interview, Cameron was asked whether he used Twitter, and he replied: The trouble with Twitter, the instantness of it - too many twits might make a twat.

Shortly afterwards, the Tory leader was talking about the impact of the expenses scandal on Westminster's reputation and said: The public are rightly, I think, pissed off - sorry I can't say that in the morning - angry with politicians.

The incident prompted 20 complaints about offensive language to Ofcom, but the broadcasting watchdog said the show was not in breach of its rules.

An Ofcom spokesman said: In the context of the interview and the programme overall, the remarks did not breach the broadcasting code.