PADDED bikini tops for young girls were taken off the shelves by Primark today after the high street chain was accused of sexualising children.

Primark acted after calls for a boycott of its stores by an organisation which helps child victims of abuse and following criticism from Conservative leader David Cameron.

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.”

Primark is the latest chain to face criticism for selling products deemed too adult for young children. Asda was criticised for selling lace lingerie, including a push-up bra, aimed at young girls and Tesco withdrew a pole-dancing kit which appeared in its toys section.

WHSmith announced last year that it was withdrawing Playboy stationery, including a pencil case, but refused to say if the decision was due to criticism about the brand being sold to schoolchildren.