[Mrluvaluva]

Clothes chain Primark has stopped selling padded bikini tops for children after accusations they would attract paedophiles.

The store was lambasted by child protection groups for "exploiting and sexualising children" with the £4 sets in candy pink.

The store this morning announced that the product was now being removed.

A spokesman said: "Primark has taken note of the concern this morning regarding the sale of certain bikini tops for girls, a product line that sells in relatively small quantities.

"The company has stopped the sale of this product line with immediate effect.

"Primark will donate all the profits made from this product line to a children's charity, and apologises to customers for any offence caused."

The product has caused outrage among parents and child protection organisations.

Peter Saunders, chief executive of the National Association For People Abused In Childhood, described the bikini as "disgusting".

Mr Sauders told Sky News Online: "This is completely playing into the hands of paedophiles and those determined to steal their innocence.

"It's just crazy and disgusting. It's yet another move to exploit children to make money."

The bikini sets, among normal costumes in the seven to eight-year-old range, have been available in candy pink with gold stars.

They also sold in black with white polka dots.

Child protection consultant Shy Keenan, of The Phoenix Chief Advocates, said: "It never fails to amaze me just how many High Street household names are now prepared to exploit the disgusting 'paedophile pound'."

She added: "You should never sexualise children.

"Kids may be learning how to look sexy in an adult way but no one is teaching them what to do if they receive unwelcome robust adult attention."

Siobhan Freegard, founder of Netmums, called on the government to bring in legislation to stop the sale of similar items.

"These tops are plain wrong, full stop," she told Sky News Online.

Sam Carlisle, The Sun's parenting editor, said: "Seven-year-old girls still dream of ponies and pianos, not cleavage and fake tan. They are little kids, not Lolitas."

Primark, which has 138 UK stores and 38 in Ireland, says on its website: "Every girl wants to look her best and at Primark we make no exception for the younger ladies.

"All the high fashion trends can be found in our Girlswear section, no matter what age you are."

Chris Cloke, head of child protection awareness at the NSPCC said: "It is important that products accessible to children are appropriate to their age and understanding.

"Manufacturers and shops can help by giving more thought about how their products might affect children."


SKY

I can't understand any parent wanting to buy anything like this for their daughters.