Banned: Ad for the anti-shatter window firm Northgate Solar Controls

An advert for windows has been banned for raising fears of another terror attack in London - to sell glazing.

Northgate Solar Controls (NSC) issued a leaflet to 4,400 businesses warning “suicide bombers” and “undetected sleeper cells” could strike during the Olympic Games.

An image depicting the bus in Tavistock Square blown up in the July 7 terror attacks in 2005, was issued as part of the promotion for shatter proof panes.

Raising the spectre of more terror explosions, “lethal flying shards of glass” were described in the text - issued to drum up trade in London and the home counties.

‘You may have already been visited by the Met Police or other Government Agency to warn you of the current highest level security alert which is being issued ahead of and for the duration of the Olympic Games,’ it read.

‘Infiltration by suicide bombers etc in conjunction with undetected terrorist sleeper cells already in the country, pose a very real threat.’

The current UK terror threat is actually one below the highest level – at substantial.

The leaflet continued: “The message that the Police and the Home Office are giving includes the precaution to consider the strength of your glazing and upgrade it where necessary with the application of a tough Clear Security Film as a deterrent to lethal flying shards of glass in the event of a bomb blast in the vicinity of your building.”

Upholding a complaint, the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) agreed the ad was offensive.

It exaggerated the potential threat and could cause undue fear and distress, stated the ASA.

The Metropolitan Police did provide protective and counter-terrorism security advice to businesses, but only in London and not linked to the Olympics.

Fifty two people were killed by four bombs detonated by suicide bombers during the morning rush-hour in London, nearly six years ago.

NSC said it did not intend the leaflet to cause fear or alarm but was trying to help minimise the risks, reported the Press Association.

London24 asked Northgate Solar Controls if it intended to apologise to victims and their families for seeking to using an image of the blown up bus for commercial gain.

No response had been received at time of publication.