It comes after similar bullying allegations made in the sports of cycling and swimming. 

"We can confirm that, in response to a formal complaint in December 2016, a member of our performance team has been suspended," a British Canoeing spokesperson told the BBC.

"As a result, a full and independent investigation was immediately initiated.

"British Canoeing will not be making any further comment until this process has been concluded."

No more details have emerged about the precise nature of the complaint.

Canoeing, like cycling, has become one of Britain's most successful sports in recent years. 

The team won two gold and two silver medals across slalom and sprint events at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

A further three gold and two bronze medals were won when the sport made its debut at the subsequent Paralympic Games in the Brazilian city.

It follows months of bullying allegations surrounding British Cycling after sprinter Jess Varnish was dropped from the Olympic squad shortly before Rio 2016.

Technical director Shane Sutton resigned as a result of bullying and sexism claims. 

An independent review into the team's climate and culture has also been set-up.

According to the Daily Mail, a leaked early draft has strongly criticised both British Cycling and UK Sport.

The BBC also revealed last month how an "independent fact-finding investigation" has been launched by British Swimming into multiple claims of bullying.

These were reportedly made by Paralympic squad members.