A POPPY tree displayed at a city mall to mark WW1 has been slammed as "disrespectful" by furious shoppers.

Critics vented their fury on social media after the "artwork" went on show in Salisbury.

One tweet described the red tree as "tasteless", while a further tweet said it was "disrespectful".

Another tweeted: "Oh dear, this was such a mistake, wrong on so many levels."

Old George Mall's "poppy tree" forms part of First World War centenary events planned to take place in the Wiltshire city.

Centre manager Jon Osgood said he hoped the display would encourage people to "learn more about war" and also encourage them to donate to the Royal British Legion.

He said: "We've had very positive reactions to the tree across our social media platforms and through feedback from staff."

But Dominic Cox disagreed, tweeting: "People are really starting to forget the meaning of rememberance. Things like this turn into a joke."

The use of poppies causes controversy each year ahead of Rememberance Day on November 11.

Public figures who opt not to wear them are often accused of lacking respect, while some people feel wearing a poppy is political.

In 2015, Asda removed a tribute showing a dead soldier lying beside a tree of poppies from one of its supermarkets after it was deemed "disgusting".