Gunmen from al Shabaab have been rounding up any women with a “firm bust” and whipping them, say residents in the capital Mogadishu.

They are then told to remove their bras and shake their breasts.

One woman said: “They first introduced a hard fabric which stands stiffly on women’s chests. They are now saying breasts should be firm naturally, or just flat.”

Earlier this month, the insurgent group, which seeks to impose a strict form of Sharia Islamic law throughout Somalia, amputated a foot and a hand each from two young men accused of robbery.

It has also banned movies, football, musical ringtones and dancing at weddings.

The group’s hardline interpretation of Islamic law has shocked many Somalis, who are traditionally moderate Muslims. Some, however, give the insurgents credit for bringing order to the regions in their control.