Instagram is being used to promote illegal knives disguised as lipstick and combs for young women, it has emerged.
Alien Outfitters, a company based in North Carolina, advertises the weapons on the Facebook-owned website and exports them to UK-based buyers.
One young British mother bought a ‘flick knife’ decorated with a mermaid and had it delivered to her home, a breach of this country’s strict knife crime laws.
Alien Outfitters, a company based in North Carolina, advertises the weapons on the Facebook-owned website and exports them to UK-based buyers. Pictured is a knife disguised as lipstick
The Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity set up in memory of a 16-year-old stabbed to death in London in 2008, called Instagram ‘represensible’ for helping promote the site.
‘They are glamorising these knives as fashion accessories,’ chief executive Patrick Green told The Telegraph, which uncovered the story.
‘This is a forum where young people openly encourage each other to break the law by buying flick knives and concealed knives which are illegal for any age group.’
‘From the colours, designs, and model names such as mermaid and fanciful rainbow, they are clearly aimed directly at young women.’
Alien Outfitters accompanied some of the knives with images of young women and included hashtags like #girlpower and #likeagirl. Some sell for as little as £9.
The company warns buyers the knives are only for ‘ornamental use’ by over 18s and tells buyers to check local laws before acquiring one – yet ships all over the world.
The Ben Kinsella Trust called Instagram ‘represensible’ for helping promote the site, which also sells blades disguised as combs
Buyers must verify they are over-18, although it is not clear if any other checks are made.
Several of the knives on sale by Alien Outfitters are illegal to import, sell or own under British law. These include flick knives, disguised knives and bladed knuckle dusters.
Instagram said the @alienoutfitters account had been reviewed and some posts had been blocked for UK users after the Telegraph brought the content to their attention.
‘Illegal activity is not allowed on Instagram. Our guidelines clearly state that people must always follow the law when offering to sell or buy goods.
‘People can report content they think is against our community guidelines using our in-app tools.
‘Our global team of reviewers check these reports 24 hours a day and move quickly to remove any violating content or accounts,’ the spokesperson added.
MailOnline has contacted Alien Outfitters for comment.