A decision by Channel 4 to show a comedy sketch about the Yorkshire Ripper has angered a local women's group.

Channel 4 has announced that it will show a spoof conceived by comic Chris Morris - four years after it was first dropped for being too controversial.

The sketch, which will be part of the Brass Eye series, shows how a well-known figure comments on fictitious plans to make a musical based on the Ripper story.

The scene was originally due to be shown in 1996 but was taken out by the then chief executive, Michael Grade. The programme is expected to be shown this summer.

Kate Denby, women's officer at Leeds Metropolitan University, who runs a women's group for local students, said: "It's an appalling decision by Channel 4 and one I'm sure they'll regret.

"For a programme to make humorous comments about the murder of women in Yorkshire is just sick.It must be very traumatic for the families of the victims.

"It also not only makes light of these murders, but the feelings of women in the Bradford area who felt affected by the Ripper's actions.

"The Ripper left a legacy across Bradford which raised issues of women's safety.''

Channel 4 spokesman Alan McLaughlin said: "We've decided to show the sketch because satire has moved on, and what's acceptable to audiences has moved on.

"The programme does not make fun of the Ripper and his victims. It's Chris Morris going to extreme lengths to show that celebrities will talk about something they know nothing about."