M&S advert BANNED amid backlash over the supermarket chain using 'unhealthily thin' model

A Marks and Spencer advertisement has faced prohibition after regulators determined the featured model appeared "unhealthily thin".

The UK's advertising watchdog declared it "irresponsible" for M&S to utilise the controversial image to market its garments via its mobile application.

The Advertising Standards Authority condemned the advertisement, observing that the model, wearing slim-fit trousers and a white top, "appeared thin and she wore large pointed shoes which emphasised the slenderness of her legs". It is not the first time the supermarket has been condemned for its advertising.

The ASA's ruling further highlighted that camera positioning made the model's head appear disproportionate and "highlighted her small frame".

The authority concluded: "Therefore, we considered that the pose of the model and the choice of clothing meant the ad gave the impression that the model was unhealthily thin",reports the Mirror.

Following the prohibition, Marks and Spencer voiced disappointment over any distress triggered and swiftly removed the photograph.

A company representative remarked: "Our womenswear sizing ranges from size 8 to 24 and we always want to reflect that in our advertising."

They added: "The product images on our website feature models of varying sizes so we can appeal to all our customers, however following the ASA guidance, we have removed this particular image from our website and apologise for any offence caused."

Whilst three additional photographs were flagged to the ASA by worried shoppers, the watchdog deemed these acceptable, meaning no further measures against the retailer were necessary. This development follows the detention of four individuals by officers probing the cyber assaults on M&S, Co-op and Harrods.

Those apprehended comprise three youngsters - a 17 year old British lad from the West Midlands, a 19 year old Latvian male from the West Midlands, a 19 year old British male from London - plus a 20 year old British woman from Staffordshire.

The suspects were seized on allegations of extortion, financial laundering, violations under the Computer Misuse Act and involvement in organised criminal enterprise activities.

All four remain behind bars.

Paul Foster, chief of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, declared: "Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the agency's highest priorities.

"Today's arrests are a significant step in that investigation but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice."

M&S was compelled to close its web platform after the digital breach, which occurred over the Easter break and disrupted tap-to-pay systems in shops, plus click and collect services.

Officials subsequently confirmed that shopper information, encompassing names, email addresses, postal addresses and birth dates - though excluding card or payment particulars, had been pilfered. The chief executive of M&S announced last week that the remainder of its online operations should be back up and running by next month.

The supermarket began resuming online orders in June, but some services are yet to return to normal.

For instance, customers are currently unable to place orders for click and collect or next day delivery. Furthermore, M&S is still not delivering to Northern Ireland.

Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, anticipates these services will be fully operational from August.

Addressing shareholders at the retailer's annual general meeting, he stated: "Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the Agency's highest priorities."