H&M has been forced to recall a range of socks after a pattern on them appeared to resemble the word Allah written in Arabic.

The figure was intended to be a Lego figurine holding a jackhammer, but turned upside down it resembled the ancient language.

The Swedish clothing giant apologised for causing offence said the similarity was “entirely coincidental”.

“At H&M we always aim to offer products that we believe our customers will appreciate," a spokesperson said. "The print on this sock represents a Lego figurine, any other meaning is entirely coincidental and we apologise if this motif has offended anyone.”

The news comes after there was widespread outrage when H&M used a black child to model a hoodie with the slogan “coolest monkey in the jungle” written across it.

Many reacted to the advert with a call to boycott the company completely.

Sir Maejor, an American model and activist, tweeted: “H&M proves to the world that they are racist… don’t scream black lives matter…

“Let’s show them how black dollars matter #BoycottHandM”.

Another Twitter user wrote: “They hate us but want our culture.

“#HM is never getting business from me again.”