Children's books pulled over explicit weblink

A school in Derbyshire has sent parents a graphic showing some of the affected titles

A series of children's books has been pulled from school library shelves after a web address printed in the back was found to link to explicit content.

The Spy Dog, Spy Pups and Spy Cat books by Derby author Andrew Cope are aimed at children of primary school age.

Until recently a URL inside the books directed keen readers to a companion website featuring bonus content but the address has since been taken over by a third party which has posted inappropriate material.

Publisher Puffin said it was taking the matter extremely seriously and was working to get the website removed.

The books feature cute animals using gadgets to solve crimes, catch robbers and undertake daredevil missions.

However, the explicit content found via the link has prompted a number of schools to contact parents to make them aware of the issue, as well as removing books from library shelves.

One email seen by the BBC included a graphic showing which books were affected and advised parents to "remove them immediately".

It added any books owned by the school should be returned so staff can dispose of them.

'Urgent matter'

In a joint statement, Andrew Cope and Puffin Books, said: "In some editions of the Spy Dog, Spy Cat and Spy Pups series there is a reference to the author, Andrew Cope's, former website for the series which was owned and managed by him.

"We understand an unconnected third party has very recently taken control of the domain name and is using it to display a different website with inappropriate adult content.

"This website is not associated with Puffin or Andrew Cope. We are asking people not to visit the website and ensure that children do not visit it either.

"We are taking this extremely seriously and are acting on this issue as a matter of urgency through the appropriate channels to get this website removed.

"This is an in-depth and complex legal process and will take time.

"In addition, we have immediately paused on the sale and distribution of the books whilst we deal with this matter.

"We are currently working with retail and education and library partners to remove the books from shelves for the time being.

"We are asking anyone who has copies of these titles to temporarily remove these books from their shelves."