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Bargain shop Poundland has been criticised by shoppers - for selling a range of boob and bum-shaped marshmallows.

The sweets are being sold in the 'novelty' section of the shop - which has stores in Hanley, Longton, Newcastle, Stafford and Uttoxeter - and feature such phrases as 'a cracking pair' and 'squidge my cheeks' on the packaging.

The words have 'outraged' a number of women who have also complained about penis-shaped sweets being sold in the store.

However, despite the uproar the high street store has been unapologetic about the offence the sweets have caused.

Instead of issuing an apology to those who had complained, the company merely told them to "ignore" the issue, reports The Mirror.

A spokesperson for Poundland said: "If something's offended you, we won't force you to buy it.

"It's fine for you to look the other way and ignore it. Here at Poundland, we think it's OK that sometimes we don't always get it right for everyone, because, frankly it's impossible to do that.

"Just because someone doesn't like something we do, we also believe that doesn't give them the automatic right to stop us doing it for thousands of other people who like it."

Gemma Aitchinson first spotted the sweets in a Poundland in Bolton.

She shared photos of them on Twitter , writing: "What exactly are you trying to say with these products, Poundland, to the families who come in store?

"No sign of any male things to sexually assault. No testicles to grab at? Why do we have candy like this, usually made for children?

"I know they are marshmallows and I understand that marshmallows aren't the end of the world, but I also know that sexual objectification is linked to violence and, for companies, profit.

Many people responded sharing their shock over the items, with one saying "WTF??" and another adding "Ewww."

However, others showed support for the store. Writing on Twitter, one guy said: "You all need to get a grip, what about all the hen do stuff with penis straws, penis sweets and all sorts when woman have them on hen dos? Is there not more pressing matters such as equal pay in work places and all in all gender equality rather than some sweets in a shop?"

poll loading Are you offended by the boob and bum-shaped marshmallows? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, I find them very offensive No, not at all - I agree with Poundland, if you don't like them, look the other way.

And Craig Reynolds, who works at Poundland said: "These are very popular and humorous items amongst customers, the majority of buyer's are women, and incredibly no children seem to be affected or even concerned about them being on sale, it's just a minority of "adults"

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