Police have launched an investigation after an advert appeared on an online shopping and auction website offering a four-year-old boy for adoption.

The advert, which was listed as being uploaded on Malta Park on Tuesday, was pulled yesterday afternoon as soon as it was reported to the website’s administrators.

Entitled Boy for Adoption, the description states: “Four-year-old Maltese boy for adoption, need [sic] a family. Can’t live with me since I’m single and can’t buy him food and other things. Thanks.”

The advert included a photo of a young, blonde-haired boy who did not look Maltese. The seller, “boy4adoption”, had listed August 8 as the deadline for the listing, which received more than 400 views.

Later in the afternoon, it was removed – soon after Times of Malta sent Malta Park questions about the advert.

A spokesman for the site said it was being investigated by the police cyber crime unit.

The State social agency Aġenzija Appoġġ confirmed adverts of this nature are illegal as only accredited agencies approved and authorised by the Government may make arrangements for the adoption of a child.

Appoġġ, an accredited agency, “was alerted to this advert through various sources and it immediately reported the matter to the authorities” for further investigation and action, a spokesman said.

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services encourages parents experiencing difficulties to seek assistance and support by calling Supportline 179.

It is not the first time that an unusual listing has been found on Malta Park. Last year an advert raised eyebrows when it offered women the chance to get pregnant in €50 sessions of “professional baby-making”. That was also removed.