Calls for Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume to be banned

Campaigners have called for retailers to stop selling a Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume as it is "transphobic".

Jenner, a former Olympic gold medallist and reality TV star Bruce, came out as transgender earlier this year.

She introduced her new self on a Vanity Fair cover which earned global attention.

But several online outlets have begun selling the Halloween costume which includes a brunette wig, shiny white padded bustier and shorts resembling the outfit Jenner wore in the magazine photo.

The Anytime Costumes description states: "You can dress as the softer side of the popular Olympian.

"You probably won't break any Twitter records when you wear this outfit like Caitlyn did when she first made her account, but you'll be sure to get a few laughs out of your friends and the other guests at the get together."

A change.org petition which has nearly 3,000 signatures has been launched to stop retailers selling the outfit.

Addison Rose Vincent, who started the petition, said: "Trans is not a costume.

"Even though Caitlyn is a public figure and I could understand someone wanting to celebrate her as a hero and as a public figure, this could definitely take on a transphobic vibe."

Spirit Halloween has since taken the costume down from its website.