A gory horror film-inspired colouring book has been withdrawn from sale by Tesco.

The controversial colouring book was on sale on the supermarket giant's website and listed as suitable for five to eight-year-old children.  

The "Colour Me Good: Arrggghhhh!!" book is published by I Love Mel and features images from horror films like Psycho and Hellraiser.

Author Mel Elliott was quoted by the BBC as saying her colouring in books were not aimed at kids but "playful grown-ups". 

Tesco said the book had been placed on its website by a third party retailer.  

"We have very clear guidelines for third-party sellers who list items on our website, and are sorry that on this occasion they weren't followed," a Tesco spokesman said.

"We will be speaking with the seller to remind them of the importance of selecting the right category when listing products with us."

The book was withdrawn after being spotted by Chris Tuckwood, 56, from Spondon, Derby, who was looking for a birthday present for his seven-year-old grandson, Reece.

"It was advertised as being suitable for kids from five to eight – I don't think so," Mr Tuckwood was quoted as saying by the Metro.

"It is unbelievable that they can sell such a thing aimed at kids. I don't think I have to say why it's unsuitable, that much is obvious.

"Who on earth are they employing that thinks this is OK?"