The editor of an Australian magazine has apologised for an article which has caused offence to the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Photographs of victims appeared with light-hearted captions in the November edition of FHM.

It was printed alongside a serious piece about Hillsborough.

Editor John Bastick told the BBC: "On behalf of FHM Australia, I would like to formally and publicly apologise for the article printed in our November 2002 issue.

To the family and friends of those who died in this tragedy, we are truly sorry

John Bastick, FHM Australia

"The article was in no way meant to make fun or down play the tragic events of April 15, 1989.

"We have acted without sensitivity and in a totally inappropriate manner.

"To the family and friends of those who died in this tragedy, we are truly sorry."

Six photographs of the tragedy appeared in the edition, with captions making light of the disaster appearing underneath.

Liverpool fan Phil Mercer, who lives in Sydney, said he was shocked when he saw the "flippant" caption.

"There were pictures of the Hillsborough tragedy and the main picture was of that awful image of the fans being crushed," he said.

Ninety six Liverpool fans died in the tragedy

"The caption reads, 'Shoppers waited for the doors to open for the end of year sales'.

"I would imagine many people in Liverpool would find this very upsetting."

David Davies, who edits the UK edition of the top selling magazine, distanced the magazine from the Australian article.

"It is appalling and nothing to do with us in the UK. We would never do that kind of thing," he said.

'Very poor taste'

"It is ridiculous and we are extremely embarrassed. I don't know what came over them.

"If we are in any way associated with this I would want to apologise. It is in very poor taste and disgraceful."

Hillsborough claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans.

Millions of people watched the disaster happen live on television as the fans desperately tried to escape the crush.

The report which followed Hillsborough led to the introduction of all-seater stadia.