The Modern are urging fans to buy only a maximum two albums

The Official Charts Company spotted "unusual sales patterns" of The Modern's song Industry, which had reached number 13.

On investigation it found the sales had come from a small number of people buying hundreds of copies.

The Modern said they were saddened but accepted the ruling.

"Due to over-enthusiastic members of the band's fans and family, an unacceptable number of records were ordered per person online," a spokesman said.

"Sadly, rather than these sales ending up supporting the band, this has resulted in The Modern's chart position of number 13 being deemed invalid according to The Official Charts Company's strict rules and regulations."

Preserving integrity

The band's website had urged people fans to download the record after its release to give them a high chart position.

The Official Charts Company said: "The official charts allow for small multiple sales by fans keen to see their favourite artists chart. However in this instance standard data checks revealed hundreds of copies being purchased by a handful of individuals.

"Under these circumstances, to preserve the integrity of the Official Top 40 the action was taken to remove the single from the chart."

The Modern is urging fans to buy no more than two copies of their album, Life in the Modern World, when it is released in May.