A public backlash has led to the removal of knives that were spotted in a Poundland shopfront window last week.

Lorraine King posted a video on Twitter on behalf of her friend Nicola Peters (who took the footage) which showed Poundland in Thornton Heath displaying the "big knives."

This sparked debate among residents.

"@poundland why are you yet again selling knives in the shop window in an area which has seen ppl (sic) die from knife crime," one twitter user said.

"The person in head office that OK the posters probably lives in a lovely area in a nice cul-de-sac completely oblivious to a place like Thornton Heath," a commenter on facebook said.

Residents outraged after Thornton Heath Poundland spotted promoting knives in front window

Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones even got in on the debate.

"Shocking," she said. "I will write to @poundland about this. And looks like it goes against gov guidelines that @poundland have signed up to."

A spokesperson for Poundland said the knives have since been removed.

"The kitchen knives were removed as soon as we heard about it," they said.

"Our strict policy is that knives are only sold in the home aisle, under CCTV where it's in place, and in sealed packaging."

The fact that the knives were in the shopfront window in the first place may have gone against the 'sale of knives: voluntary agreement by retailers' agreement which Poundland signed up for.

Part of the agreement states that: "Retailers will ensure knives are displayed and packaged securely as appropriate to minimise risk.

"This will include retailers taking practical and proportionate action to restrict accessibility and avoid immediate use, reduce the possibility of injury, and prevent theft."