Danger warning as council seizes illegal toys

Fifty sackloads of "potentially lethal" toys were confiscated from a property in the Stratford area of east London, Newham council said. They included flashing babies' dummies, children's neckties which light up, toy dogs, rabbits and aeroplanes, puffer balls and Star Wars-style light sabres.

According to the council, the illegal toys, which did not have safety warnings, were shoddily made and fell apart. Some revealed sharp metal spikes and nails and others had cords and balls which could choke a young child to death.

Officers swooped on a house which was being used for storage earlier this month.

Trading standards teams suspect the toys, which are being independently tested, were smuggled into the country by organised gangs from mainland China.

They would have been sold on the street or at markets for between £1 and £2, according to the council.

A spokesman for the council said no arrests have been made but investigations are continuing.

Parents are being urged to be vigilant and check that toys carry a CE mark, to show they meet EU consumer standards, and the manufacturer's address. There should also be adequate user instructions.

People are advised to buy toys that are suitable for the age of the child and to purchase them from reputable sellers where they can be returned if any problems occur.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "This is a great result for the council - the result of excellent, intelligence-led work by our officers. How can these criminals justify putting these children in danger for money? We are not going to let it happen.

"They are putting things out there they can maim or even kill. Parents and children must be protected - and they will be protected. The safety of people in the borough is our number one concern. We will crack down hard on criminals who make the lives of the hard-working majority a misery. If they put parents and kids at risk, they risk us coming after them."

Councillor Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing, process and business efficiency, said: "We are looking out for unsafe goods."

He added that shoppers should be especially wary where the toys are obviously of poor quality or where no importer's name and address is provided on the packaging.

Unsafe toys and goods can be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.