Prominent social media figures and campaigners have voiced their outrage after Kent Police displayed a poster listing rape and sexual assault as a "non-emergency".

The force is facing a huge backlash online after KentOnline revealed earlier this week how the controversial sign had been put up on Maidstone police station’s front counter.

The poster, which urged people to report "non-emergency enquiries" via an online form, has since been taken down.

The listed offences also included missing people reports, hate crime and anti-social behaviour.

Police said it was part of their Click B4 U Call campaign which was designed to free up call-handlers by encouraging people to use their online reporting system.

KentOnline's story has now been followed up by the BBC, Daily Mail and several other outlets, with the poster going viral on Twitter.

Among those to express concern about the post was Olympic medallist Sharron Davies, who tweeted: “Shame on you @kent_police.

“How many women do you need to die each week for it to be an emergency?”

While another popular social media user, political commentator Marina Purkiss, said: “Just disgusting… If men were the overwhelming victims of rape you can bet your bottom dollar it would be classed as an emergency.”

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott agreed the poster's message was not appropriate.

He tweeted: “This poster was completely wrong and totally inappropriate. It should never have been put up and was rightly taken down.”

Domestic abuse campaigner David Challen, who helped to secure his mum Sally Challen’s release from prison in a landmark coercive control case, said he was worried about the message the sign could send to victims.

“There is it in black and white: rape and sexual assault classed as 'non-emergency' crimes," he said.

“What message does this poster at Maidstone police station send victims?

“There is no acceptable reason to classify rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse as ‘non-emergency’ crimes.

“Warding off victims at the door with a poster asking them to report online is a failure in policing.”

A Kent Police spokesman said: “The poster in question was put up by a member of police staff at the front counter in Maidstone police station but has since been removed and replaced by a poster clarifying our advice about how best to report crimes to us.

“It is important to stress that online reporting never replaces an emergency call and we continue to urge anyone to call 999 if there is a crime in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.

“Doing so can make the difference between arresting a suspect at the scene and in some cases saving a life.”

Detective Chief Supt Emma Banks said Kent Police takes reports of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault “extremely seriously”.

“Kent Police takes the investigation of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and we support victims to come forward and speak to us," she said.

“All reports of rape or sexual assault, made through whatever channel are reviewed by a detective sergeant, and are ultimately overseen by a senior officer as part of a thorough review process aimed at ensuring justice and support for all victims.”