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Lego has been accused of racism over a Star Wars model that is said to resemble a sacred mosque.

The Austrian Turkish community claim 'Jabba's Palace' is similar to Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque and an affront to its cultural feelings.

The group has called on the toymaker to apologise.

It said in a statement: "What Lego are recommending parents buy as a Christmas gift? The answer is pure racism."

The model at the centre of the row houses villain Jabba the Hut and comes with an arsenal of toy weapons.

Aimed nine to 14-year-olds, children are urged to try and free Han Solo, who was held hostage by Jabba in Return of the Jedi.

(Image: Getty)

The group's statement adds: "It is apparent that, for the figure of the repulsive bad guy Jabba and the whole scenery, racial prejudices and hidden suggestions against Orientals and Asians were used as deceitful and criminal personalities.

“One would expect more empathy and responsibility from a manufacturer of toys that has produced toys and models that are good for teaching for decades.”

A spokesman for Lego has denied any link between Jabba’s Palace and the mosque.

In a statement the company said: "The LEGO Group regrets that the product has caused the members of the Turkish cultural community to interprete it wrongly, but point out that the design of the product only refers to the fictional content of the Star WarsTM saga."