Primark drops padded child's bikini

Primark has stopped selling padded bikini tops for children after criticism that they sexualised young girls, a spokesman for the chain said. The company apologised for any offence caused by the product and said profits from any bikinis already sold would be given to a children's charity. 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." Child protection consultant Shy Keenan, of The Phoenix Chief Advocates which helps victims of paedophiles, earlier called for a boycott of Primark until the bikini top was withdrawn.

"As victims' advocates, we know why you should never sexualise children or help to normalise the sexualisation of children," she said. "They may be learning how to look sexy in an adult way, but no- one is teaching them what to do if they receive robust unwelcome adult attention.

"We say boycott Primark until they agree to withdraw this line."