Shop's hoodie mannequin defended

Merseyside police have spoken to the shop's manager

The manager of a Liverpool clothes shop has defended a window display featuring a hoodie armed with a baseball bat.

A masked mannequin dressed in a black hooded top and carrying a metal bat is in the window of the city centre men's clothing shop Trend.

Owner David Hughes said it does not promote violence but "reflects the issue of anti-social behaviour".

Merseyside police said that they had spoken to Mr Hughes, who had agreed to change the display.

Liverpool Councillor Mike Storey, executive member, said he thought the display could be seen as "glorifying violence".

He added: "I just don't think it's appropriate. Youngsters are walking past and thinking it is cool.

'No offence'

"Shopkeepers have a responsibility to the community they work in and should think about that."

Mr Hughes said the display was not intended to offend anyone.

He added: "It is not about promoting violence but reflecting the issue of anti-social behaviour in the current climate.

"The police have been in to speak to us but I don't believe we are breaking any laws.

"The display has been up for quite a while and we have not had any complaints, it is just an advert for the clothes we sell."

Liverpool City Council said it was not aware of any formal complaints about the window.