Amazon UK have now pulled the items but other sellers on its international sites are still offering products which appear to contavene the company's listings policy.

The controversial merchandise withdrawn by the retailer  were mugs bearing the slogan "Don't Keep Calm Slap That Bitch, Hard!"

Priced from £5.99 and offered by at least two sellers on the retail site, they were described as: "An ideal special gift or you can just keep the mug for yourself!"

After removing the items from sale, Amazon said in a statement to Sky News: "The product to which you refer is not available at Amazon.co.uk."

Amazon have sparked controversy previously after offering rape T-shirts and 'Hit Her' tops which they were forced to take down after a public backlash.

It later emerged the 'Hit Her' T-shirts had remained for sale on some international Amazon sites including in Germany.

And on Saturday, Amazon.com were offering phone cases for sale with the slogan: "Don't Keep Calm Slap the B***h Hard."

The Amazon UK website lists details of prohibited items which include: "Products that promote or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual or religious intolerance or promote organisations with such views."

Amazon typically charges companies 7% of the price, postage and any taxes to list and sell items through its website.