An advert deemed to be glorifying gun and knife crime was ordered to be removed from a Crystal Palace train station platform.

The poster - which incorporated the phrases "if they bring a knife, you bring a gun"; and, "if they bring a fight, you bring a war" along with images of guns - has drawn a number of complaints from passengers.

Advertising author Chris Ryan's latest novel "Strike Back" - about a hostage situation in the Middle East - many people found it inappropriate considering the wave of gun and knife crime that has gripped the capital.

Some 16 young people have been killed by gun, knife or violent crime in London this year.

Peter Garner, a regular user of the station, said he was shocked when he first saw the poster and thought it would send out the wrong message.

"There are signs in the station telling you about what a high crime area this is," he said. "Then they allow a poster which says its ok to have the guns and knives which are such big problem in London."

A spokesman for British Transport police also condemned the advert, saying it worked against efforts to reduce crime on the network.

She said: "We don't think any sign that glories violence is appropriate."

In response to the complaints, that were also made to the Advertising Standards Authority, station owners Southern said they were ordering the poster - along with any others on their network - to be removed by advertising hoarding owner Titan.

The concern surrounding the poster comes two weeks after a giant poster for computer game Grand Theft Auto 4 was taken down in Streatham High Road.

It was deemed highly insensitive to place the poster, depicting a black girl carrying a gun, within yards of the scene of two high profile murders.