Pop singer Indiana sparks fury by posing topless next to war memorial and claiming 'soldiers enjoy sideboob'

A singer has sparked outrage posing topless next to a war memorial.

Performer Indiana, whose real name is Lauren Henson, has been criticised after posting the picture, which which shows her wearing just shorts, socks and trainers to her Instagram page.

The photograph is one of three pictures taken outside the memorial, with the previous two snaps posted back in June not attracting similar backlash.

The latest photo received more than 670 likes but some people criticised the 31-year-old over her choice of setting, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

Haydendavid93 posted: "It's a cool photo but couldn't you have found a better wall to pose in front of?

"It just shows you have no respect for the people who gave their lives for this country."

Itsdogbert said: "Nice pic - not sure backdrop is appropriate."

Jim_broadbent posted: "Pretty bad taste in front of a memorial for war dead..."

The mum-of-two hit back, claiming that the fallen First World War soldiers would have approved.

The Top 20 charting singer, from Loughborough, said: "'Pretty sure those boys that gave their lives for this country would enjoy a casual bit of sideboob."

Taken inside the grounds of a London church, the vocalist, who once sang for the Queen, at the official launch of the BBC's Broadcasting House in 2013, claims she was unaware that the plaque was a war memorial.

"Me and my best mate Jonjo were being creative in Clapham and saw the church and he was like 'go topless'. That’s it really. It’s not that deep," said the chart star, who has just released a new album, Not Girlfriend Material.

She said: "I didn’t even notice it was a war memorial. We were drunk. I know people are offended, but why? It’s a human body, why is that offensive?"

Some people on Instagram leapt to her defence.

Dark_sekret_love posted: "Great artsy photo, great look and ignore the haters."

Kittykitson commented: "Beautiful looking woman with a beautiful voice to top it off."

Adamluke18 added: "Absolutely gorgeous."

Indiana's second album Not Girlfriend Material is out now on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify and she will be touring in mid-November.