ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Londoners have reacted with incredulity at a "monstrous" scheme aimed at getting people to talk to strangers on the Underground.

Dozens of 'Tube Chat' badges have been handed to people on the Underground as part of an apparent scheme to get passengers chatting to one another.

The designs bear a striking similarity to official 'Baby on Board' badges for pregnant women, but Transport for London said it was not involved in the scheme.

The badges are aimed at Londoners who want to advertise that they're open to chatting.

Flyers handed out around London stations say: “Have a chat with your fellow travellers. Wear this badge to let others know you’re interested.

“You’ll benefit from a daily chat.”

But Londoners reacted with predictable hostility to the idea, created by American Jonathan Dunne.

Social media was flooded with negative responses - with some users comparing the badges to "weirdo magnets".

Others have decided to create their own alternative Tube Chat badges.

A TfL spokesman confirmed that Tube Chat was not an official TfL campaign.

He added: "We currently only promote two badges to be worn while travelling, the baby on board badge and the badge for people with hidden disabilities."