It all started with a tweet which received nearly 15,000 likes.

"We really need a genuine conversation as a society about what 'safety' means," commented Oonagh Ryder alongside an image of sanitary products on a shelf behind a sign which read "Help us build safer communities – report shoplifting to a member of staff."

Respondents to the tweet asserted their human right to steal tampons and sanitary towels.

"Sanitary products should be free for anybody who menstruates," said one.

"Women, trans men, or anyone who menstruates should not have to worry about being reported for taking a necessity that I personally believe should be free," added another.