UK- The BBC has been criticised by media watchdog Ofcom for placing a programme that featured a gay porn star in its morning schedules.

Streets of Vice, which also followed a dominatrix and showed scenes of drug users preparing to inject, was broadcast at 9.15am.

Nearly 60 people complained about the programme, saying they were watching the channel with young children when the show began.

The series included an episode featuring popular gay porn model and prostitute Dean Monroe.

It looked into the rise of people travelling to the UK and working as prostitutes, as well as the problems they face.

Additionally, another episode looked into the use of sex aids and toys, as well as the rise of internet-based prostitution.

Ofcom said the complaints were understandable and criticised the BBC for choosing such an early shot for the show.

It said the programmes were of interest to viewers, but screened at the wrong time.

In response, the BBC said it had hoped the series would shed light on an issue that is often overlooked by documentaries.

It said it chose to run the show during the school term to minimise the number of school children who were watching.