Primark halts sale of padded bikini tops

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."

Child protection consultant Shy Keenan, of The Phoenix Chief Advocates which called for the boycott, welcomed the chain's decision.

"Primark have made a mistake here, but at least they have listened to their customers and taken real steps to put it right, we could not have asked for a better outcome," she said.

Mr Cameron, who branded the sale "disgraceful" in an interview with BBC London Radio earlier, said he was "delighted" the bikini top had been withdrawn from sale.

Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat spokeswoman for equality, said: "Primark's decision is welcome but how on earth could they have thought that this was a good idea in the first place?

"Young children need our protection and shouldn't be the prey of greedy

retailers selling them adult products."