Warning after fake and dangerous toys seized
Sunderland City CouncilChristmas shoppers have been urged to buy from trusted retailers after £6,000 worth of fake toys were seized.
Acting on tip-offs, trading standards officers from Sunderland City Council raided three shops in Washington and took hundreds of items, including Labubus and KPop Demon Hunter toys, off the shelves.
The council said poorly made counterfeit toys could pose a choking hazard or contain poisonous chemicals, with investigations into the shops ongoing.
A spokeswoman urged shoppers to stick to trusted brands and avoid deals "that seem too good to be true".
The council said the toys were on sale for between £15 and £20 each.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is also warning about other products that could be dangerous if they have not undergone rigorous safety checks.
They include electric scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes because the lithium-ion batteries could explode if cheaply made.
It also warned about certain baby products such as hug pillows and unsafe sleeping bags which could cause suffocation or overheating.
Council deputy leader Kelly Chequer said: "Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but it's important that families are aware of the hidden dangers some products can pose.
"By shopping with trusted retailers and checking that gifts meet safety standards, we can all help keep children safe this festive season."
