ZOO magazine today apologised after their columnist Danny Dyer sparked outrage by telling a heartbroken boyfriend that he should ‘cut his ex's face, so no one will want her’.

A spokesman for the magazine blamed Dyer's words on an "extremely regrettable production error".

Dyer himself reportedly hit back saying he was mis-quoted.

He said: "This is totally out of order, I am totally devastated.

"I have been completely misquoted. This is not the advice I would give any member of the public I do not condone violence against women."

In reponse to a letter from a 23-year-old reader asking for advice on how to get over his split from his girlfriend, the actor, who appeared in football hooligan film Football Factory, wrote in his Ask Danny column:

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, son. I’d suggest going out on a rampage with the boys, getting on the booze and smashing anything that moves.

“Then, when some bird falls for you, you can turn the tables and break her heart. Of course, the other option is to cut your ex-s face, and then no one will want her…”

News of Dyer's advice sparked outcry on twitter.

blockbusterbuzz tweeted: "If this is meant to be a joke, it isn't remotely funny. If it's serious, it's a criminal offence."

lil_jo_c wrote: "Can't believe that Danny Dyer #Zoo piece. What the hell were they thinking?! Just gross & if it is a joke, it seriously is NOT funny."

Another tweeted: "Zoo magazine hits shocking low as Danny Dyer advises " "cut your ex's face...no one will want her".

A spokesman for ZOO said: "Due to an extremely regrettable production error, an inappropriate and indefensible response to a letter has appeared in this week's issue.

"ZOO editor, Tom Etherington, apologises unreservedly for any offence the response may have caused and has launched an internal enquiry to ensure lessons are learnt.

"ZOO and Danny Dyer condemn any violence against women. A donation will be made to Women's Aid."