Shops in Southport, Merseyside, have sold phallus or breast-shaped rock for years.

But it is claimed police on Friday ordered them to remove some of the saucy sweets from public view.

The shop owner says it is a waste of police time.

Back room

The manager of the Southport Rock Shop, who did not wish to give his name, said: "Two male officers came in here and ordered me to take all the rock willies out of the window.

"They said the rock boobs could stay because they hadn't received any complaints about them.

"They were very abrupt with me and said I could still sell the rock willies from a back room.

Legal action

"But I haven't got a back room so I have had to put a note up advising customers that we do stock them and they should ask if they want one.

"I am absolutely fuming. I can't believe, with all the youth crime and shoplifting that goes on here, the police are choosing to spend their time worrying about rock willies."

The manager added that store owner Graham Cook was considering taking legal action.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said they had no record of the incident.