The makers of Fireman Sam have 'apologised unreservedly' after an episode showed a character standing on a page of the Koran.

Eagled-eyed viewers claim the episode 'Troubled Waters' of the children's television classic is Islamophobic because it showed bumbling character 'Elvis' disrespecting the Muslim holy book.

Channel 5, which aired the episode last month, has removed it from its online catch-up service.

Channel 5 has removed the episode 'Troubled Waters' after eagle-eyed viewers criticised the show for Islamophobia

The scene begins when the bumbling character 'Elvis' takes a tumble holding a tray of tea

According to social media users one page shows verses 13-26 of chapter 67 of the Koran

HIT Entertainment, the producer of the programme, apologised and said it was cancelling its contract with the Chinese animation studio responsible for making the scenes.

Xing Xing Digital Corporation in Beijing produced series eight of the show but it is not clear whether the company was producing series nine, the one in question.

The scene begins when Elvis takes a tumble holding a tray of tea when he slides on a piece of paper on the floor.

Pages of scripture then fly up into the air as they, and the character, come crashing to the floor.

Twitter users identified the pages as from the Muslim holy book, the Koran.

According to social media users one page shows verses 13-26 of chapter 67 of the ancient work.

The chapter focuses on the origin of existence, the Day of Resurrection, hellfire and the attributes of God.

Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary general, said on Twitter: 'Have no idea what went through the producers' minds when they thought this was a good idea #baffled'.

A spokeswoman for the multinational firm Mattel, which owns the show's makers Hit Entertainment, said 'It has been brought to our attention that in an episode of Fireman Sam (Series 9, Episode 7), an image of the Quran is briefly depicted.

Social media users (above) vented their anger at the show and claimed it was Islamophobic

Channel 5 has removed episode seven, 'Troubled Water', from its webiste as seen here

'The page was intended to show illegible text and we deeply regret this error. We sincerely apologise for any distress or offense it may have caused.

'We will no longer be working with the animation studio responsible for this mistake.

'In addition, we are taking immediate action to remove this episode from circulation and we are reviewing our content production procedures to ensure this never happens again.

'Again, we apologise unreservedly to our viewers.'

Mattel also owns the popular brands Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder.

Channel 5 removed the episode, which they broadcast on June 28, because of the allegations.

The episode has only just come under the spotlight after it was first broadcast in 2014.

A spokesman for Channel 5 told the news website Middle East Eye there were no plans to air the episode again.

MailOnline did contact Channel 5 for further comment but a spokeswoman declined.