A NOTORIOUS criminal's artwork set to be be sold as part of a fundraising auction was pulled from the event after concerns were raised over its appropriateness.

Paintings by Charles Bronson, commonly known as 'Britain's most violent prisoner', were due to be sold to raise cash for homelessness action group Homes4All, with an announcement made on social media over the weekend.

Then, on Monday, after concerns were raised about using the profile of a vicious thug to raise cash for a good cause, Homes4All trustees instructed the auction organiser to pull the paintings.

Christina Hopkinson, a Homes4All trustee, said: “We personally weren’t selling the paintings. A lady came forward and offered to hold an auction with the proceeds going to Homes4All and she was responsible for organising the auction and the items for sale.

“As soon as we heard where the paintings had come from we asked for them to be removed. We need to sit down as trustees and make a decision on whether it's appropriate to sell these paintings at this auction."

Bronson, who changed his name to Charles Salvador by deed poll in 2014, is one of Britain's most high profile prisoners. The armed robber has spent 41 years in prison, 37 of which have been spent in solitary confinement.

He is known for attacking prison staff and fellow inmates and once held a three-day rooftop protest that cost £100,000 in damages.

In 2014 he smeared himself in butter and attacked 12 prison officers after Arsenal won the FA Cup.

More recently, Bronson, 65, claims to have turned over a new leaf and is investing more time in his artistic endeavours, a change in spirit reflected in his 2014 change of name.

Tami Warriner, of Witney, was organising the auction, which will be held in the old Lush store in Cornmarket Street, Oxford, on January 27 at 7pm, to raise funds for Homes4All.

Prior to the paintings being pulled, Ms Warriner told the Oxford Mail: “I have been a long-time supporter of Charlie.

“Charlie is a massive charity supporter and I know he gave £2,000 to another homeless charity and I knew he was a very nice person to get in touch with.

“He is doing everything in his power that he can do to make his way through the prison system.

“He’s an amazing artist and author who does a hell of a lot for charity and other people.”

The decision to sell the paintings was met with mixed reactions. One commenter compared the move to selling artwork produced by a terrorist while another said Homes4All was making a 'big mistake' by associating themselves with the prisoner.

David Thomas, leader of Oxford City Council's Green group, said: "My advice to Homes4All was to not sell the paintings, the reason being that the value of the paintings, even though he is a reformed character, would be based on his notoriety and previous life.

"Any donations of this money made to the Green Party would be sent straight back. We would never seek to profit directly or indirectly from violence."

Money raised at the auction will go towards the Jumpstart bus, a double decker bus that would be used as temporary accommodation for rough sleepers.