Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Tiffany Lo

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

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.

Topman is blasted for glamorising violence amid knife crime epidermic (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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.

There were 22,306 knife or dangerous weapon offences dealt with in England and Wales (Twitter)

"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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.