Topman slammed for 'glamorising violence' after selling mock stab vests

Anti-knife campaigners say the fashion business is feeding off the knife crime epidemic while a father of a knife crime victim said Topman is glamorising the crime culture

High street giant Topman has been hit with criticism for 'glamorising violence' by selling mock stab vests.

Topman is selling a range of 'tactical vests' under Parisian fashion brand, Sixth June, from £45 to £55.

Anti-knife campaigners blasted the London fashion house for sending out wrong images.

A record of 22,306 knife offences have been recorded in England and Wales in 12 months to June, according to figures released by the Ministry of Justice.

Last Friday, two victims were stabbed to death by London Bridge killer Usman Khan.

Richard Taylor, father of a 10-year-old schoolboy who was stabbed in 2000 in a killing, said: "I'm totally disappointed that fashion houses like Topman should be selling such a vest.

"I am totally against it, especially selling it at this critical time and simply to make money. They want young people to buy it.

"They should not be glamorising this culture - we are fighting tooth and nail against knife violence and are mourning the death of two young people last week."

Anti-knife campaigner Jen Lock, from Lives Instead of Knives, said: "It's totally irresponsible. Where do these people come up with these ideas?

"That is feeding off the UK's knife crime epidemic and someone is trying to make money out of it.

"It's exploiting young people and promoting what the rest of us are trying to discourage or turn people away from."

One of the pieces features a boxy-cut design and multiple pockets at the front with Valcro tape closing.

Another one resembles a look of a bullet-proof vest with secure clasp on the sides of the vest.

Sixth June writes in the description: "This item is non professional and does not protect from bullets."

Mirror Online has contacted Topman for comment.