On Christmas eve, Police have threatened a Portsmouth shop owner with arrest for displaying a poster today.The photo montage of Pope Benedict XVI with painted lips and eyelashes, holding a dildo with the caption 'Ho Ho Homophobia', was spotted by eagle-eyed cops this morning.

The poster is a reference to the Pope's end-of-year speech to senior Vatican staff. The Pontiff stated that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was as important as protecting the environment.

Four Police officers have been sent to the Avalon shop on Fawcett road, Fratton to interview the shop owner about the colourful poster in his window.

Quoting section 4 of the Public order act ,Police informed the owner that if he failed to remove the poster and was found guilty, he could face imprisonment of up to 6 months.

Andrew, the owner of Avalon Headshop felt pressured enough to remove the A3 size poster. The twist is that Andrew is both Gay and Catholic.

However, three doors down the street a copy of the poster still remains on display in the window of a popular wholesale company. Police have now threatened to enter the premises to remove the poster themselves. Staff have politely replied to Police that it is a matter of free speech.

' The Pope has the world media to incite his views about Gays- we only have a shop window to give our views about the Pope' said a staff member.