Luigi Mangione's likeness used to model shirt on Shein

Fast-fashion giant Shein has launched an investigation after an image of Luigi Mangione - accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York last year - was used to model a shirt.

An image with his likeness, which appeared to show him wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt, appeared on the fast-fashion website until its removal.

It is thought the product he appeared to be modelling was on sale for just under $10 (£7.50).

A spokesperson from Shein told BBC News: "The image in question was removed immediately upon discovery."

"We have stringent standards for the content of listings on our platform", the spokesperson added.

"We are conducting a thorough review and are strengthening our monitoring processes."

It is not known for how long the image was used, or who the company was that was selling it on the Chinese company's website.

Many online have speculated the image was created using artificial intelligence (AI) - but it remains unclear how the picture was made.

In April, Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to all federal charges brought over the fatal shooting of Mr Thompson.

The 26-year-old, who was arrested in December, faces the charges of murder and stalking.

His not guilty plea means he will face trial and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted.

Public reaction to Mr Thompson's killing has shed light on privatised healthcare, and some have celebrated Mr Mangione as a folk hero, with supporters gathering outside the courthouse during his hearings.

But this is not the first time his name or likeness has caused controversy for a company.

In December, the BBC complained to Apple after the tech giant's new iPhone feature generated a false headline about the accused murderer.

Apple Intelligence used AI to summarise and group together notifications.

The summary falsely made it appear BBC News had published an article claiming he had shot himself - when he had not.

A month later, Apple suspended the feature after the error and other mistakes.

His lawyers have not commented on the use of his image on Shein.

Additional reporting by Liv McMahon