London Dungeon accused of bad taste after offering free entry to anyone with the same name as a serial killer - including Rose West or Harold Shipman

The attraction has introduced the new rule to mark their reopening with social distancing measures in place.

They claim to be honouring the plight of Brits who have to live with sharing an unfortunate honour - being the namesake of a famous fictional or factual killer.

Shipman and West help make up the list of names which qualify visitors for free entry - despite both killing within the last 30 years.

Others who can get in free include people called Sweeney Todd - or even Ted Bundy.

There are Dungeons located in London, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Warwick Castle and York.

The controversial policy means all these branches will offer customers with serial killer names free entry between the 24th and the 31st of August 2020.

A London Dungeon spokesperson said: "Finally, sweet payback for all those unknown Linked In connections, Facebook friend requests and overheard sniggers at wedding table planners."

"If your name really is Nellie Lovett, Sweeney Todd, or even Ted Bundy then The London Dungeon is opening their doors and inviting you to explore London’s horrible history with your fellow namesake murderers."

"Enjoy the Great Fire of London and pay a visit to the plague doctor with Harold Shipman, all with the London Dungeon's compliments.

“Lockdown has been tough for everyone, and it can’t have helped ease the misery when introducing yourself on a Zoom call as Rose West.

"Now we are delighted to welcome all our guests back to see London’s dark past, and we hope they have a truly horrible time – in true Dungeons style...”

But not everyone saw the funny side.

One person tweeted: ''It's a bit early for jokes about the Wests and Shipman isn't it?''.

The London Dungeon is located on the South Bank close to Waterloo and Westminster station.