The last time they had the chance to offend anyone was 2,700 years ago when they were wandering around ancient Egypt.

Since then the mummies have led a blameless existence, spending the last 120 years in a museum where countless thousands of visitors have managed to see them without anyone becoming in the least bit upset.

Not any longer, it appears.

BEFORE: Asru, a 2,700-year-old chantress with Egyptologist Rosalie David

AFTER: Bob Partridge, chairman of the Manchester Ancient Egypt Society, has described the decision to cover up the mummies as 'Incomprehensible'

Complaints have led to the naked remains of Asru, a chantress at the Temple of Amun in Karnak, plus the partially-wrapped male Khary and a child mummy, all being covered in shrouds to protect their modesty.

The decision, which has prompted wholesale derision, came after Manchester Museum said it had received 'feedback' from the public saying it was 'insensitive to display unwrapped mummies'.

Having ordered the cover up, managers claim they are following Government policy and are carrying out a public consultation.

Last night the museum, whose Egyptian department has a worldwide reputation, was accused of being ridiculous and told it risked becoming a 'laughing stock'.

Naked truth: Mummies at Manchester Museum are being covered up after visitors complained about them being displayed 'naked'

Bob Partridge, chairman of the Manchester Ancient Egypt Society, said the cover-up was 'absolutely incomprehensible'.

'The mummies have always been sensitively displayed and have been educational and informative to generations of visitors.

"We are shocked this has been done in advance of any results from the public."

Josh Lennon, a museum visitor, said: "This is preposterous. Surely people realise that if they go to see Egyptian remains some of them may not be dressed in their best bib and tucker.

"The museum response to complaints is pure Monty Python  -  they have now covered them from head to foot rendering the exhibition a non-exhibition. It is hilarious."

Manchester Museum has several mummies  -  embalmed bodies tightly wrapped in cotton bandages  -  and is home to one of the most important collections in Britain.

George Mutter, a professor at Harvard medical school in the U.S. said: "For decades the Manchester Museum has been a leader in the scientific study of human mummies.

"The decision to hide the mummies from view is a step backwards."

He added: "In the interest of inclusiveness, the museum has become a playground for those who do not understand the subject at hand, nor respect the interests of scientists and public alike."

But the museum's Nick Merriman said: "We get a stream of feedback saying it is insensitive to display unwrapped mummies.

"We are trying to follow Government guidelines about how they should be displayed with respect and sensitivity."

<p>If the public wanted the mummies unwrapped, the museum would take that "very seriously'," he added.